Category: Talking History

Talking History

Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation: How Generation Influenced the 1968 Revolts in France and Italy

Luke Henderson 1968 was a tumultuous, world-altering year. Major historical events occurred on every inhabited continent as societies struggled to define themselves in light of whirlwind-speed technological and political developments. Younger generations played a major role in the historical events and movements of the time, especially in Western Europe. Historians can use the concept of generation to interpret and understand the causes and ideas of … Continue reading Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation: How Generation Influenced the 1968 Revolts in France and Italy

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Talking History

In Defense of Political History: Thoughts and Tantrums from a PhD Student

Victoria Saeki-Serna Political history today is in peril. In my years of study, plenty of my professors and peers have professed their prejudice against political history, criticizing its overbearing Hegelianism and its insistence that government individuals and institutions are the only influencers of history. Political historians today are an endangered species, their approach hunted by endless epithets in emerging historical studies. Characterized as elitist and … Continue reading In Defense of Political History: Thoughts and Tantrums from a PhD Student

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Talking History

Capitalism: A Reflection

Dr. Sarah Ellington The politics of capitalism are confusing.  Even for political scientists, “capitalism” does not mean the same thing to all people, all the time.  Interwoven into news stories about modern healthcare in the United States, used as a scapegoat and a saviour for the rise and fall of technologies and innovations, and omnipresent in nearly every political discussion, capitalism is a word thrown … Continue reading Capitalism: A Reflection

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Talking History

Hindsight: Reactions from the American Scientific Community on the Deployment of Nuclear Bombs

Reed Uhlik For many monumental historical events, the passage of time often leads to a more unified interpretation and narrative of a specific event. However, the decision by the United States to drop two nuclear bombs on Japan does not follow this historical pattern. In the aftermath, US public opinion grew increasingly divided, notably within the scientific community.  Some members of this community initially sought … Continue reading Hindsight: Reactions from the American Scientific Community on the Deployment of Nuclear Bombs

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Talking History

Radiation’s Residual Effects on Identity

Theo Bammi The first time John Smitherman witnessed a nuclear explosion, it was pure spectacle. Recounting the story for Studs Terkel’s The Good War, Smitherman recalls that even from his vantage point miles away, the “ball of fire” tearing Bikini Atoll apart on July 1, 1946 was indescribable (Terkel 547). The second explosion, however, was less satisfying. Instead of warmth, Smitherman was pelted with a … Continue reading Radiation’s Residual Effects on Identity

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Talking History

To Speak or Not To Speak: The Politics of World War II Collaboration Through Language

Dan Sachs As World War II raged in Europe, the linguistic landscapes of countries and communities were forced to change. While France adapted to German boots on the ground, the Swiss did not suffer any incursions into their territory, but rather faced a new Europe with Germany at its helm. The French spoke not only about the German occupiers, but also used specific language to … Continue reading To Speak or Not To Speak: The Politics of World War II Collaboration Through Language

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Talking History

Multifaceted Perceptions of the Murderess in 19th Century Russia   

Krystel von Kumberg History often depicts women as victims rather than as perpetrators of violence. The stereotype of criminals as inherently masculine has dominated the literature. Warped crime data, societal perceptions of women’s domestic roles and theories regarding women’s sexuality have taken their toll in downplaying the significance of female crime. Stephen Frank, Sharon Kowalsky and Ronald LeBlanc’s articles from The Russian Review and Louise … Continue reading Multifaceted Perceptions of the Murderess in 19th Century Russia   

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Talking History

Somebody’s Watching Me: Surveillance and Betrayal in Operation Gold

Sareena Dubey Rockwell’s song “Somebody’s Watching Me” has become somewhat of a Halloween classic. Its eerie sound in the key of C-sharp minor and catchy pop melody make it an enjoyably spooky listen. Rockwell’s lyrics conjure up a particularly suspenseful story rooted in the paranoia of being surveilled. “Somebody’s Watching Me” was released in 1984, a decade marked by espionage and surveillance related to the … Continue reading Somebody’s Watching Me: Surveillance and Betrayal in Operation Gold

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Talking History

A Golden Ticket: Employing Hypothetical Situations and Questions in the History Classroom

Rosie Click I always loved “choose your own adventure” books as a kid—the excitement of picking right, the risk of picking wrong, the seemingly endless possible combinations of choices and variety of satisfying endings. In some of the books, the perfect ending, known as the “Golden Ticket” ending, can only be achieved by choosing the exact correct combination of paths. The history of the “gamebook,” … Continue reading A Golden Ticket: Employing Hypothetical Situations and Questions in the History Classroom

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Talking History

On Sweaters and Military Incompetence: The Crimean War Through the Lens of Fall Fashion

Joshua Downes The arrival of Autumn and the changing weather means it is time to unbox our jackets and sweaters and look for our mittens and boots. Yet as we don our vests and fleeces one might wonder where all these different articles of clothing came from. It is perhaps no surprise that much of modern fashion has its roots in military wear. From trench … Continue reading On Sweaters and Military Incompetence: The Crimean War Through the Lens of Fall Fashion

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