Digital Commons Network^™

From Prison Cells To Parliament: How The H-Block Hunger Strikes Transformed Sinn Féin To Enable Peace In Northern Ireland, Madeleine E. Wallenberg

Young Historians Conference

The 1988 Good Friday Agreement signed in Belfast is regarded as a landmark feat of diplomacy. Allowing for a non-violent redistribution of power, the Good Friday Agreement marked the end of a nearly thirty-year period of violence known as The Troubles. The efficacy of this agreement relied on the participation of members of the I.R.A. and Sinn Féin, something that likely would not have happened if not for a 1981 Hunger Strike that changed the public’s perception of the Irish Republican movement and launched the platform for Sinn Féin as a legitimate political organization. This paper explores the development of …

Form Follows Function: An Analysis Of De Architectura And Its Influence, Weston Klein

Young Historians Conference

Over 2000 years ago, the Roman architect and engineer, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, scribed De Architectura, a multi-volume work unearthed in the 15th century, in St. Gallen, Switzerland. As the only surviving architectural source from antiquity, the book has been indispensable in the study of Greco-Roman architecture, positioning Vitruvian and Greco-Roman architectural concepts in many ways as one in the same. Additionally, Vitruvian ideas, as expressed in De Architectura, regarding architectural form, materials, location, and process have been foundational to the evolution of Western architecture. This paper explores De Architectura’s impact on Western architectural theory and practice spanning the Early Middle …

Courage Under Crisis: Examining Altruistic Resistance In Mass Atrocities, Kyra K. Layman

Political Science Honors Projects

Why do individuals resist in different ways during mass atrocities? I theorize that variation in altruistic resistance is shaped by access to platforms, personal connections to victims, and organizational membership. Focusing on bystanders who choose to intervene, I develop a new typology of “Helpers” and construct an original global dataset. Using a mixed-methods approach, I test my hypotheses through regression analysis and triangulate my statistical evidence with individual Helper case studies. This research advances scholarship on resistance by systematically analyzing variation in altruistic behavior, contributing to our understanding of the social and institutional factors that may affect Helpers’ actions.

Thompson’S Rifle Battalion: The Original Unit Of The Army Of The United Colonies (Now The United States Regular Army), John A. Bonin

Books, Monographs & Collaborative Studies

©2025 John A. Bonin

Although 1775 is indisputably the birth year of the US Army, two events occurred on June 14 of that year to which the Army can credit its birthday. One is the adoption by the Continental Congress of the collective militia forces from several colonies outside Boston to form a Continental Army, of which Congress appointed George Washington the commander in chief on June 15, 1775. In addition, the US Regular Army officially dates its beginning to June 14, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress directed 10 companies of expert riflemen to be raised immediately in Pennsylvania, …

Windmills As Symbols Of Economic Development And Progress In West Texas From 1860 To 2011, Stacy Taylor

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

The outline of a windmill against the sky is a popular image of Texas found on many forms of media including illustrations, photographs, and other print media. How did the image of a windmill become symbolic to Texas? The purpose of this paper is to determine how and why windmills became an important symbol representing the Texas Plains. Methodology used included analysis of scientific information to explore the geography of Texas, which demonstrated why windmills were needed in West Texas. Critical analysis of journals and books were performed to determine the history of the introduction and evolving use of windmills …

After Tours: The Battle Of The River Berre, Paul Aitchison

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

The Battle of the River Berre, occurring in the years after the Battle of Tours, has not seen the same amount of scholarship as that defining battle of the century in Europe. The Umayyad Caliphate in Iberian continue to conduct military operations on the east side of the Pyrenees, controlling Narbonne and most of the province of Septimania, south of Aquitaine and west of Lombardy in the years after. The expansion of the Caliphate had continued almost unabated since 632 CE, controlling Arabia, Persia, the Near East, the Levant, Egypt, North Africa, and finally, the Iberian Peninsula. This astonishing expansion …

Indigenous Women In Southeastern War Culture, Kyra Jordan Franks

Student Theses and Dissertations

Native American history has become more present in modern day curriculums, both in secondary schools and in higher education; however, not all aspects of native society nor all participants are studied equally. Native American women in particular are often overlooked, their actions misinterpreted, and are overall difficult to find in their own history, especially when it comes to their participation in warfare. Historians frequently leave Native women out of their own history, citing the absence of women in historical records as justification; however, just because something is difficult to find does not mean that it is not there. There are …

Habitually "Ant-Eyeing": The Life And Work Of Billy Joe Tatum, Lauren Adams Willette

Student Theses and Dissertations

Billy Joe Tatum was a naturalist, author, and educator who grew up in Missouri and Arkansas during the 20th century. She is often compared to Euell Gibbons; her book titled Billy Joe Tatum’s Wild Foods Field Guide and Cookbook was the first of its kind to offer gourmet-style recipes for wild and foraged foods. She wrote many different columns for the Ozarks Mountaineer magazine which was distributed not only in the region but around the United States and internationally. Billy Joe was the first herbalist or “yarb doctor” at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where she oversaw the first …

In Victory And In Infamy: An Examination Of America’S Revolutionary Struggle Through The Parallel Careers Of Colonel Peter Gansevoort And Major General Benedict Arnold, Wyatt Golden

Senior Honors Theses

The parallel careers of Peter Gansevoort and Benedict Arnold in Washington’s Continental Army during the American Revolution highlight the important role played by Washington’s junior officers in the success of the Revolutionary effort, while emphasizing the personal relationships forged in the crucible of that war. As their commands intersected in the crucial campaign seasons of 1776, 1777, and 1780, Gansevoort and Arnold developed a close personal relationship as each individually, with the aid of the other, played key roles in the retreats, victories, and betrayals that defined each of those respective campaigns. By examining Gansevoort’s largely forgotten career, an entirely …

From Kevin Mccallister To Captain America: The Fall Of The American Dream And The Rise Of American Power In Hollywood Films From The 1980s To The 2020s, Scotty Cypher

Public History Symposium

Cypher take a look at what happened to suburbia in popular American movies, and why it has seemingly disappeared.

Resilience And Empowerment: The Impact Of Gullah And Maroon Cultural Preservation On Pan-Africanism And Civil Rights Movements, Shantae' L. Streeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation investigates the history of the cultural resilience and advocacy of the Gullah people of South Carolina and the Maroons of Jamaica, with a particular emphasis on their function as role models for the empowerment of descendants of the formerly enslaved (DOFE). This investigation examines how enslaved communities preserved cultural identity, resisted systemic injustice and influenced Pan-Africanism and Civil Rights movements in the 20th and 21st centuries. This research emphasizes the experiences of the Gullah people who maintained cultural identity through acculturation, and the enslaved populations from South Carolina’s interior regions and other Southern states, who faced assimilation. Additionally, …

Beast From The East: The Mongol Invasions Of Europe 1221-1223 & 1236-1242, Cam Rea

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Mongol invasions of Europe between 1221-1223 and 1236-1242 represent one of history's most significant military campaigns, reshaping the fabric of society throughout Eastern and Central Europe. This dissertation reevaluates these invasions by analyzing why the Mongols invaded, why they were so dominant, and why they left through the examination of the Mongols' strategic, operational, and logistical capabilities alongside their military doctrine and adaptability. It examines key campaigns, including the pursuit of Shah Muhammad II, the conquest of the Rus' principalities, and the decisive battles in Poland and Hungary. Through an extensive review of primary sources, such as the Nikonian …

The Tragic Mind: Fear, Fate, And The Burden Of Power, Thomas F. Lynch Iii

Joint Force Quarterly

This review explores Robert D. Kaplan’s The Tragic Mind: Fear, Fate, and the Burden of Power, a reflective and philosophical departure from his earlier geographically focused works. Drawing from decades of war reporting and inspired by thinkers from ancient Greece to modern Europe, Kaplan argues that effective leadership—especially in matters of war and foreign policy—requires a “tragic sensibility.” He contends that decisions about the use of force often involve choosing between lesser evils, and must be guided by humility, historical awareness, and a clear understanding of unintended consequences. Kaplan critiques recent U.S. military interventions and praises President George H.W. …

War In Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, And The Return Of A Fractured World; The War For Ukraine: Strategy And Adaptation Under Fire; A Call To Action: Lessons From Ukraine For The Future Force, Frank Hoffman

Joint Force Quarterly

This review examines three pivotal books—War in Ukraine, The War for Ukraine, and A Call to Action—that collectively offer a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and its broader military and strategic implications. Drawing parallels to the U.S. Army’s transformation post-Yom Kippur War, the review highlights Ukraine’s decentralized command model and adaptive warfare as crucial advantages over Russia’s rigid, artillery-centric doctrine. Contributions from military experts, including Lieutenant Colonel Jay Bradley and Colonel Jamon Junius, delve into Ukraine’s effective use of mission command and modernized targeting systems, despite technological limitations and residual Soviet influence. Each book serves …

Winning Without Fighting: Irregular Warfare And Strategic Competition In The 21st Century, Joseph J. Collins

Joint Force Quarterly

Winning Without Fighting offers a timely and compelling framework for strategic competition in the modern era, especially against authoritarian states like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Written by four seasoned scholar-practitioners, the book redefines irregular warfare as a comprehensive, non-violent competition for influence and legitimacy. Emphasizing tools like information, diplomacy, economics, and national resilience, the authors argue that the United States must evolve its strategic culture—rooted in binary war/peace thinking—toward one that embraces continuous, multi-domain competition. Drawing on Cold War lessons, they advocate for renewed investments in statecraft capabilities such as regional expertise and alliance coordination. The book concludes …

Movement And Maneuver At Leyte, October 1944, Michael M. Trimble, Douglas W. Burkman, Michael L. Simmons

Joint Force Quarterly

This article examines the enduring principles of warfare—particularly movement and maneuver—through a detailed analysis of Operation King II, the U.S. amphibious assault on Leyte in October 1944, which marked the beginning of the Philippines' liberation during World War II. The study situates the operation within the broader context of global war, emphasizing the evolution of U.S. and Japanese strategies in the Pacific theater. It highlights how coordinated, multidomain operations—across land, sea, and air—enabled U.S. forces to seize key terrain and deliver a decisive blow to the Imperial Japanese Navy at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Despite challenges stemming from divided …

Toward A 21st-Century Medical Offset Strategy, George A. Barbee, Benjamin J. Ingram

Joint Force Quarterly

In an era of multidomain threats and global instability, the U.S. military must develop a 21st-century medical offset strategy to maintain combat effectiveness and strategic superiority. This article proposes medical offset strategies—far-forward intervention, technological innovation, and international partnerships—as a transformative framework to achieve medical overmatch. These strategies aim to save lives, enhance combat power, and sustain military operations amid high-intensity, large-scale combat scenarios. Far-forward intervention ensures timely critical care on the battlefield; technological innovation integrates AI, autonomous systems, and new treatments to extend reach and efficiency; and allied coordination enhances interoperability and collective medical capacity. The article underscores that inaction …

Developing Alternative Manning Strategies To Maintain The Combat Effectiveness Of The Joint Force, Shawn M. Cook, Andrew Hall, Todd Spanton

Joint Force Quarterly

The U.S. military is confronting a recruitment crisis stemming from a declining pool of eligible and willing recruits, largely due to deteriorating physical and mental fitness across the population and waning societal confidence in the military. This article explores strategic alternatives to address the shortfall in military manpower. It evaluates three core approaches: enhancing the fitness and mental health of potential recruits, adapting recruitment standards to align with current population capabilities, and restructuring to a smaller but technologically augmented force. The authors argue that while improving population fitness is costly and yields uncertain long-term results, and adapting standards risks reduced …

Obstacles To Integrating Deterrence, Jeffrey A. Larsen, James J. Wirtz

Joint Force Quarterly

This article calls for a strategic shift in how the United States addresses today’s security threats—ranging from peer nuclear adversaries to disruptive emerging technologies. Emphasizing that integrated deterrence must extend beyond the military, the authors advocate for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach. They argue that success hinges on developing a national strategy, designating senior leadership, fostering interagency and allied collaboration, and engaging the public through education. There are considerable challenges, but they are not insurmountable.

A New Step In China’S Military Reform, Joel Wuthnow

Joint Force Quarterly

Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow in NDU’s Institute of National Strategic Studies, discusses the current state of military reform in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In April 2024, Xi Jinping launched a sweeping military reorganization aimed at enhancing the PLA's ability to achieve information dominance and conduct integrated joint operations. The reform dismantled the Strategic Support Force, introduced a new Information Support Force (ISF), and placed key support elements under Xi’s direct control—marking the PLA’s most significant structural change in five years. Motivated in part by lessons from Russia’s failures in Ukraine, the changes aim to boost PLA readiness …

Joint Force Quarterly, Issue 117, 2nd Quarter 2025, National Defense University Press

Joint Force Quarterly

Joint Force Quarterly 117 centers on the urgent call for bold, visionary leadership within the U.S. Joint Force. Highlighting challenges such as integrated deterrence, alternative manning strategies, and China’s military reforms, this issue provides strategic insights for future readiness. It features forward-leaning proposals on air defense, military housing, and medical innovation, alongside historical case studies from Okinawa and Leyte. Book reviews and expert commentary further enrich the discourse on contemporary military leadership and strategy.

Fighting On The American Color Line: How Black Masculinity And Identity Was Negotiated Through Boxing In The Jim Crow Era, Cameron Reid Ambroise-Sanscartier

Madison Historical Review

The early 20th century saw the meteoric rise of boxing as a lucrative business opportunity for both promoters and fighters alike and acted as one of the few business ventures that was accessible for both White and Black Americans. In the Reconstruction period, many former slaves or children of slaves found themselves stuck in a perpetual cycle of poverty performing menial labour not far removed from their previous lives as slaves; boxing provided a rare alternative for these men. Often dubbed “meal ticket fighters” some men fought merely to survive while others stood out as exceptions within this violent and …

Mhr Volume Xxii Full Issue

Madison Historical Review

No abstract provided.

“If, In That Strife, ‘T Were Given To See / The Glory Of Thermopylae”: Connections To The Classics In The Alamo And The Texas Revolution, Austin M. Pritchett

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This historical research paper argues that connections to classical tradition were made in the rhetoric and symbolism of the Texas Revolution as a means of creating a national identity as Texans and as a way of garnering support from the Unites States for their cause.

Having established the background of the Texas Revolution of 1835-1836, the famous Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, and the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece, I bring forth examples from primary sources of important figures using comparisons to classical history. The classical connections made in those writings were used to justify their …

Blood In The Snow The Mormon-Timpanogos Conflict At Battle Creek, Nathan Hale

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

On March 5th, 1849, a group of 36 Mormon men surrounded the Native American camp of a small band of Timpanogos at Battle Creek, which is present-day Pleasant Grove, Utah. The Mormon militia suspected this band of cattle rustling, and a conflict ensued that resulted in the shooting and killing of four Timpanogos men. During the battle, the women and children of the native camp took cover and endured exposure to the cold elements and frigid water of Battle Creek. Six days later, these same women and children arrived in Salt Lake City. Among the group of Native American survivors …

“To Inherit God Himself?” The Metaphysical Transformation Of Man As Theorized In Cotton Mather’S Biblia Americana, Michael Green

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

The tumult of the Enlightenment was enormous, not least in its impact on theologians of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Biblical exegesis (explanation of a scriptural text based on its own historical and cultural circumstances) of the Reformation that idealized interpretations grounded in unerring prophetic figures were suddenly and forcefully subjected to the tide of historical literalism propagated by major intellectual figures such as Hugo Grotius and Baruch Spinoza. They and their cohort believed that the Bible should be treated as a historical source and its merits scrutinized based on its literal accuracy

Whistleblowers: A Maya Narration On The Participation Of The Dead In The Cycle Of Life And Death, Emma Belnap

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

There is a common saying in modern American culture inspired by opera and the drudgery with which people view it. As the maxim goes, “It is not over until the fat lady sings.” If the Maya were to have their own variation on that saying, it may perhaps go, “Life is not over until the whistle is in the grave.” At burial sites on Jaina Island, an island near Campeche, Mexico rich with Maya history, hundreds of sculpted whistles have been found in graves, depicting various gods, animals, and humans.1 These objects give invaluable insight into the beliefs and practices …

Sounds Of Battle And Battle Of Sounds: Belliphonic In Tolkien, Ali Mirzabayati

Journal of Tolkien Research

This paper explores the concept of the belliphonic—a term denoting the acoustic dimensions of warfare—within the context of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, focusing on the Battle of the Five Armies. While modern war studies have mainly centered on the mechanized soundscapes of twentieth-century conflict, this study engages with recent scholarly efforts to recover the sonic textures of medieval battle. Drawing on theories of wartime acoustics and examples from medieval literature, the paper examines how Tolkien, informed by his expertise in Old and Middle English texts and his lived experience in World War I, crafts a dynamic and psychologically …

Poverty In Conflict: How Poverty Has Been Affected By The Russia-Ukraine War, Madeline A. Matthews

FHSS Mentored Research Conference

In researching the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on poverty, I sought to understand the effects on the war on the already impoverished and if the war itself increased the rate of poverty particularly in Ukraine. Conflict not only exacerbates already existing poverty (because the poor have less accessibility to shelters, aid, hospitals, religious sites, etc.), but it also increases the number of people who become impoverished. This is true of the current Ukraine-Russia conflict. This war in particular has had more drastic effects on inflicting poverty as Urban warfare has been used by Russian forces. This creates situations where …

Missouri’S Manufacturing Difference During World War Ii, Jared Wortmann

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.