United States History Commons^™

Casar Public Lecture: Will Trump End The Ukraine War?, The Prince Alwaleed Center For American Studies And Research Casar

Performances, Events, and Presentations

Trump wants to become the world’s Peace Maker, the Master of the Art of Making Deals. He promised to end this war in 24 hours. Yet the real question is whether Putin wants to end the war, or whether he is ready for a deal ? If so, then what kind of a deal? Could it be that Putin might have a different deal in mind than the deal Trump is willing to offer?? So what happens then??? The lecture deliberated about the possible answers to this very question from several perspectives, analyzing the impact on Egypt, the region & …

A Pragmatic Legacy: Charles Wilson’S Politics And The Battle For His Archival Heritage, Jordan Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Congressman Charlie Wilson served Texas and the United States with distinction throughout his political career, leaving a profound impact on East Texas and the global stage. Known for his progressive policies in the Texas Legislature and his influential role in U.S. foreign policy during his tenure in Congress, Wilson’s pragmatic political career and legacy is preserved in the Charlie Wilson Congressional Papers collection at the East Texas Research Center (ETRC). Despite its historical significance, the collection faced decades of delayed processing, disorganization, and neglect of archival best practices. This public history thesis confronts these challenges by detailing the efforts to …

The Shadow Of Exceptionalism: Morality, Pragmatism, And Covert Action In American Cold War Foreign Policy, Kyle Stacy

History Theses - Archive

The complex forces of national identity, economic ambition, and ideological justification created a dynamic and contested landscape that shaped America’s Cold War policies. A carefully curated useful past, bolstered by religious convictions, fostered a belief in American exceptionalism and moral leadership that provided both the impetus and justification for 11 America’s actions abroad. Yet, America’s stated ideals—freedom and democracy—existed in stark tension with the pursuit of its national interests, often clashing with its self-perceived moral superiority. The Cold War environment fostered a culture of secrecy within the highest levels of government. Here, transparency and accountability were readily sacrificed for strategic …

Arsenal Of Femininity: Women, Relationships, And Gender Roles During World War Ii, Jesse B. Yaeger

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Popular imagery of Rosie the Riveter has colored our collective consciousness to assume the women entering manufacturing jobs during World War Two permanently expanded the gender roles of women in American society. However, historians Leila J Rupp, Susan Hartmann, D’Ann Campbell, and Maureen Honey have shown that during the war, publicly espoused gender roles continued to restrict women to the point of “going back to the kitchen” once the war ended. Their research focuses on societal expectations of women but not how women responded to these questions in their personal lives. Reading correspondences between men and women after the attack …

From Civil War To Cold War: China, The Us, And The Korean Conflict, Ethan Paul Foss

Honors Theses and Capstones

This history honors thesis investigates US foreign policy in East Asia during the early Cold War, specifically from 1945 to 1953, focusing on the Chinese Civil War and the Korean War. This thesis argues that American policymakers misjudged Chinese communism, Korean nationalism, and regional dynamics due to ideological assumptions and Cold War anxieties. The research examines missed diplomatic opportunities with Mao’s China, the flawed occupation of South Korea, and the escalation of the Korean Conflict, revealing how rigid anti-communist policies contributed to the Korean War's outbreak and strengthened communist alliances. Ultimately, it argues that the Korean War was less an …

Rifles And Riflemen: Material Culture, Violence, And Early American Identity, 1720 -- 1820, John Bradstreet Weaver

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The rifle was one of many material objects which colonists of British North America brought with them from Europe. Starting in the early eighteenth century, German-speaking settlers in Pennsylvania began to manufacture rifles from locally made and imported parts. These rifles became associated with other material objects – namely a system of dress, which included wearing a whitetail deer’s tail in the hat, the hunting shirt, and forms of Native American dress – which became emblematic of some British colonists who used rifles in hunting and war. Rifles became militarily important in the Seven Years’ War, where Native American warriors, …

4h Nr 3122 Fusiller Regiment Von Knyphausen, Trenton, New Jersey, 1782, Johannes Schwalm Historical Association

Schwalm Marburg Files

No abstract provided.

Civilian Manufacturing And National Defense: Strategic Planning For Globalization's Challenges, Izeck Kohler

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

This thesis examines the interconnection between civilian manufacturing and national defense within the context of globalization. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by the United States in maintaining its manufacturing capabilities and to propose strategic solutions to address these challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical data, case studies, and policy recommendations, the research highlights the critical role of specialized and process manufacturing sectors towards national defense. The findings suggest that the creation of a federal executive department, strategic investment, diversification, policy re-evaluation, and collaborating with allies are essential for sustaining national defense capabilities. The study concludes with …

U.S. And Russian Responses To The Syrian Civil War: A Comparative Analysis, Grace Dewitt

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Syrian Civil War was among the most devastating conflicts in the 21st century and was defined by the involvement of various international actors, including the United States (U.S.) and Russia. The Syrian conflict was sparked by the Arab Spring movement. The Asad regime, which controlled the Syrian government at the time of the Arab Spring, reacted violently to the civilian protests and calls for reform. This led to the formation of organized rebel groups, creating a complex and violent civil war. The U.S. and Russia, as well as other international actors such as Turkey and Iran, became involved in …

Into Eternity: Legacy Of The Saint Patrick's Battalion, Preston S. Dyess

2025 Symposium

“The Saint Patrick’s Battalion” was a rogue unit of Irish-Catholic soldiers who deserted from the U.S. Army shortly before or during the Mexican-American War. Disillusioned by their mistreatment in the American army, they found common ground with the Mexican people over their shared faith and national story. John Riley, the battalion’s eventual leader, deserted shortly before the war broke out and was captured by Mexican forces. After some convincing, he was given a commission by Mexican General Pedro de Ampudia and instructed to raise a company of fellow deserters. The unit served courageously, garnering praise and honor in the eyes …

“Situation Is Out Of Control:” Drug Use, Violence, Resistance, And Politics During The Vietnam War, Andrew Domenic Ray

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Vietnam War was notable because it was a very violent and very public war. Throughout the course of the conflict, the United States imposed anti-guerilla warfare on a grand scale. American soldiers were often given orders to destroy the enemy at all costs; but in a war with no discernable front lines, the difference between combatant and non-combatant was, at best, blurry. The way the war was being fought, coupled with its unpopularity and emerging counterculture at home, made the Vietnam War a hub for illicit drug use among American soldiers. American soldiers use drugs for a number of …

Fictional And Historical Narratives Of African American Soldiers Of Wwii, Abigail Rae Stewart

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the experiences of African American soldiers during World War II through the dual lenses of oral histories and fictionalized accounts, arguing that both are essential to fully understanding their multifaceted journeys at home and abroad. Oral histories provide direct, personal narratives from veterans themselves, capturing their voices, emotions, and reflections on the discrimination, camaraderie, and resilience that defined their wartime and postwar lives. These firsthand accounts offer invaluable insights into the structural realities of systemic racism within the military and society, as well as the personal sacrifices these soldiers made in the name of a country that …

Air Supremacy, The Enabler Of Close Air Support Operations – An Evaluation Of Past, Present, And Future Air Campaigns., Owen Topolnicki

Senior Honors Theses

The achievement of gaining aerial supremacy, or lack thereof, is the hinge upon which Close Air Support (CAS) swings. The attainment of it enables CAS specialist aircraft, not unlike the Ju-87 Stuka or A-10 Thunderbolt II, to be exceptionally effective in their operating environment. While the lack of it, forces aircrews to pioneer new solutions either in the form of multi-role aircraft (capable of self-defense), or other innovative solutions similar to unmanned aerial systems (UAS’s), as aptly seen in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Thus, the ability of an air force to gain air supremacy and to do so quickly, …

Soldiers In The Sideshows: The 409th Infantry Regiment In World War Ii, Nicholas Garrett

Master's Theses

In the European Theater of World War II certain battlefields or campaigns such as Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge are core aspects of American memory. However, the men of the 409^th Infantry Regiment of the 103^rd Infantry Division do not fall into this image. This unit fought as part of the U.S. Seventh Army across eastern France through the Vosges Mountains, defended against the German Operation Nordwind and broke through the Siegfried Line into southeastern Germany. Though the 409^th represents a small portion of the men of the 103^rd, …

The Price Of Freedom, Bryce Fletcher, Dawson Helton, Ty Ledford

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

In April of 1943 at Djebel under heavy enemy fire Private First Class Slusher and three other enlisted men swiftly assaulted the hill with fixed bayonets and did away with an enemy machine gun squad. For this action he was awarded a silver star. The next day he was injured by a shell fragment for which he received a purple heart.

Paul 'Raymond' Griffith, Isabella Anderson-Huseman, Allison Ferguson

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Paul Raymond Griffith began his active-duty service on May 17, 1945 where he was stationed at the Fleet Post Office in San Francisco, California. He later served on both the USS Samar (ARG11) and the USS LST 505 working in the mail room organizing and distributing the mail among the men on the ship.

John Thomas 'Big Dog' Daugherty, Christina Lambert, Bryce Tackett

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Lieutenant Colonel John ‘Big Dog’ Daugherty was sent to Espiritu Santo Island in 1943. In 1944, he was ordered to start a bombing attack on Rabaul out of fear of a Japanese ship attack. He flew a Grumman ‘Avenger’ and his team sunk seven ships. He was awarded the Flying Cross for showing heroism while in flight.

Sammie Slusher, Bryce Fletcher, Dawson Helton, Ty Ledford

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Staff Sergeant Slusher enlisted in July 1942 and passed in June 1944 before his daughter could meet him. In 1943, he became the recipient of the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. His medals are the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign and the World War II Victory Medal.

The Silver Star is awarded to those who had valor in combat and the Purple Heart is given to those were injured or killed while serving the US military.

Smokey & The Panther: Homer "Smokey" Davis, Walker Anderson, Jeremiah Brown

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Homer “Smokey” Davis belonged to the 3rd Armored Division, known as Spearhead. Davis saw heavy fighting towards the end of the war and had the rare privilege to operate the M26 Pershing T26E3 tank. Spearhead was present at the Battle of Cologne, where Davis and crew fought and won a famed tank duel with a German Panther.

Impact Of World War Ii In Eastern Kentucky, A Intro

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

An introduction poster to the Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky created by Emma Crouch in the fall of 2024.

Understanding The Performance And Perception Of Odawa Warfare, 1615–1700, Eric P. Morningstar

Masters Theses

This research employs the ethnohistorical method to explore how the Odawa people perceived and carried out warfare from 1615 to 1700. While historians have examined the Odawa, these Native peoples have frequently not been the central focus in the secondary literature. Many primary sources also offer a vague answer as to how the Odawa conceived and carried out warfare. This study aims to clarify historiographical inconsistencies by quantitatively analyzing a database, constructed by the author, of specific primary references to known hostilities between the Odawa, other Native groups, and Europeans. The analysis includes specific variables germane to hostilities such as …

Greenwood 'Cokie' Cocanougher, Chandler Howard, Brennan Ison, Zoey Rounsville

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Greenwood ‘Cokie’ Cocanougher participated in the War Service Training Program where she taught 250 students. She was the first woman to pin wings on a graduate, who was her son. After the war she became the leader of the Civil Air Patrol and Aero Club of Louisville. She served on UK Board of Athletics.

Gladys Veronica Stamper Meyers: "The Hornet", Emma Crouch, Kaitlyn P'Simer, Arwen Sergent

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Gladys Meyer came from a long line of military servicemen. She’s the first female in the Stamper family to enlist in the United States military. She was deeply inspired by her three brothers, Clarence, William, and Theodore who all served in World War II. She served in the Women's Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

Greenwood "Cokie" Cocanougher: "A Mother Doing Her Part", Chandler Howard, Brennan Ison, Zoey Rounsville

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Cokie Cocanougher participated in the War Service Training Program where she solo taught 250 students how to fly. She was the second woman to land a plane on an army airfield and the first woman to pin wings on her son who graduated flight school.

Paul Raymond Griffith, Isabella Anderson-Huseman, Allison Ferguson

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Seaman 1st Class Paul R. Griffith joined the Navy despite ‘not being able to swim’ according to his son. He served at the Fleet Post Office, the USS Samar and USS LST 505 in the mail rooms. Griffith received the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon. After leaving the Navy, he worked for the US Postal Service until his retirement.

Gladys 'Hornet' Meyers, Emma Crouch, Kaitlyn P'Simer, Arwen Sergent

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Corporal Gladys ‘Hornet’ Meyers serviced in the Women’s Airforce during Korea. She worked at the Defense Plant in Dayton, Ohio and took care of her family as teenager. She is the first woman in her family to serve – three of her brothers – Clarence, William, and Theodore - served in World War II one of which also served in Korea. Her father, Link Stamper, served in World World I.

Kentucky's Flying Leader: John Thomas Daugherty, Christina Lambert, Bryce Tackett

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

On July 31, 1943, Colonel John Daugherty and his bomber group were sent to Espiritu Santo Island to prepare for the Japanese along their acquired territory of Rabaul in the Pacific. In February 1944, it was assumed Japan was preparing a possible navy attack. Daugherty was ordered to begin a bombing attack on Rabaul. On March 4, 1944, the crew destroyed seven Japanese ships, with Daugherty sinking one while flying a Grumman "Avenger" torpedo bomber plane. He would receive a Flying Cross.

Homer 'Smokey' Davis, Walker Anderson, Jeremiah Brown

Impact of World War II in Eastern Kentucky

Private Homer ‘Smokey’ Davis operated the M26 Pershing T26E3 tank. His Division, called Spearhead, was at the Battle of Cologne. After serving in the war, he became an electrician at Morehead State University.

The Evolution Of Infantry Tactics During The American Civil War, David S. Stieghan

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

During the American Civil War, the fielding of new weapons technology resulted in an evolution of Infantry tactics and experiments in unit organizations in reaction to the changes in the increased range, accuracy and the rapidity of fire of improved small arms. While recent scholarship examines the introduction of the increasingly lethal rifles issued during the war, most authors suppose that their deadly impact resulted in the stagnation of maneuver and prolonged what should have been a short conflict. The widespread conclusion of many scholars is that the leaders on both sides did not anticipate the changes wrought by more …

An Analysis Of The Second Battle Of Fort Fisher, Tanner Port

Bound Away: The Liberty Journal of History

In the closing stages of the American Civil War, the Union seizure of Fort Fisher (guarding Wilmington, North Carolina) in January 1865 was a key operation sealing the defeat of the Confederacy. The operation is worthy of study by modern military officers, as it was a prime example of the coordination of land and naval forces in an amphibious operation.