United States History Commons^™

The Birth Of A City: The Politics Leading To The Incorporation Of The City Of El Paso, Michael Britt

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

While the history of the Civil War and Reconstruction-era focuses on the eastern United States, those events rippled across the country and affected the development of places far from the national capital and sites of the major battles. Most histories of El Paso, Texas focus on the era after the arrival of the railroad and growth of Fort Bliss as a major military installation. The region that now encompasses El Paso County, Texas experienced European migration centuries before the United States developed, and its Spanish and, later, Mexican background would impact how the area integrated with the United States. Texas …

"Forgive Our Living And Our Dead": Colonial Warfare In The Philippines, Mattie Fitzpatrick

History

In March of 1906, American troops massacred over 1,000 Filipino civilians on Bud Dajo mountain. American service members were commended for this incident. My research examines this massacre to ask why wars of insurgency are specifically subject to abuses of power, particularly during the American-Philippines War and the ensuing colonial warfare between 1898 and 1906 under the colonization of the US. My research will focus on the circumstances created to excuse US soldiers after atrocities were committed and the colonial attitudes of the time in addition to the brutal methods used by the American government in Philippines. American colonial administrators …

A Voice To Remember: Recovering The Rhetoric Of Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, Diana Lynne Nogay

English Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation will recover Mordecai Johnson's rhetoric to demonstrate how he addressed the political issues of his time, which were often related to race, and were frequently reduced or even forgotten. In this dissertation, titled “A Voice to Remember: Recovering the Rhetoric of Mordecai Wyatt Johnson,” I perform and analyze the rhetoric associated with him. Johnson was well known for being the president of Howard University; the goal of this project is to recover the rhetoric and identify the common themes. The two themes identified in Johnson’s rhetoric are religion and education. Personal traits and associations with religion are traced …

Evaluating The Impact Of Policy In Theatre: The Influence Of Public & Political Policy On The Theatrical World, John Q. Rhodes

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the second half of the twentieth century, there is distinct evidence to exhibit a direct correlation between daily occurrences and matters of public policy. This paper serves to analyze the impact of U.S. public policy on theatrical practices. To provide a detailed and targeted analysis of the exponential impact public policy had upon the theatrical industry, this examination will look at theatre beginning in 1961 and will extend towards the current administration of President Donald Trump and is organized in ten-year segments. Each decade will be generalized for its direct or indirect changes that occurred within the period and …

The Collapse Of The Cotton States League: Segregation And The Final Years Of Minor League Baseball In South Arkansas, Alex Mason Becker Mceachern

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

From 1953 through 1955 the Cotton States League of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana went through an integration and financial crisis that led to its collapse. Through this three season stretch several clubs attempted to sign and play black ballplayers, a first in the segregated minor league. While the major leagues and a majority of minor leagues successfully integrated, the Cotton States League represented one of the final holdouts of whites-only baseball. The league collapsed in 1955 due to a myriad of issues including declining interest, which led to severe financial issues. This thesis will examine the final three years of …

The Seed That Begot America: How Political Principles Of The Reformation Contributed To The American Founding, Gabriel Stisser

Senior Honors Theses

When teaching the American founding, the contemporary public-school curriculum tends to emphasize the influence of the thinkers from the antiquity and Enlightenment periods. However, the curriculum tends to neglect the impact that the Reformation had upon America's formation. Through a qualitative historical review, this study will analyze both primary and secondary sources to examine how Reformed ideals of the political covenant, limited government, and resistance to tyranny influenced the American founding. This analysis finds that the Reformed (sometimes called Calvinist) political ideals from the Reformation had a significant influence upon the formation of the New England colonies, the enlightenment figures …

The Grizzly, November 20, 2025, Renee Washart, Jesse Cherone, Sidney Belleroche, Alex Zelaya, Adam Denn, Emily Veasey, Erin Ewing

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Steve Donahue: Ursinus College Legend • Dr. Atkins Talks Student Engagement Plans • Professors on Sabbatical for Spring 2026 • Ursinus Alum: Coach Dan Mullen • Try Out a Winter-Themed Crossword! • Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing? • Women's Tip-Off Time: Women's Basketball Takes the Court • Ursinus Football Secures Bowl Bid

Trump’S Lasting Impact On The U.S. Presidency, Imer Kj Cespedes-Alvarado

Political Science Student Research

The first presidency of Donald J. Trump had a lasting impact on the American Presidency, expanding executive power through robust assertions of constitutional power, unconventional communications, and an unprecedented disregard for political norms. The two terms further blurred the line between governance and personal branding, cultivating this new model of leadership that depends on constant public exposure and polarization among the American people. This research examines how Trump's executive power and political tactics during both of his presidencies redefined expectations of presidential behavior and accountability by consolidating executive authority, reorganizing federal institutions, and placing even greater emphasis on loyalty and …

Tailoring Black Style And Its Powerful Pieces: From West Africa To The U.S. West Coast And Everything In-Between, Gabriel Capellan

Occasional Essays

Introduction:

On September 19, 2025, I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum (MET) with some of the Bronx African American History Project team. The people in attendance were Graduate Assistant, Anthony Rosado, and Undergraduate Assistants, Serena Velasquez and Emma Garr, wonderful people, I tell you. After the tour, we ended up at the American art exhibit and had podcast conversations about history for what felt like both hours and very brief minutes... We went to the MET to see a particular piece that was in the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibit curated by Barnard professor, Monica L. Miller …

From Street Life To Spiritual Leadership: Analyzing Transformation, Faith, And Identity In “New Muslim Cool”, Hatoumata Tunkara

Occasional Essays

Introduction:

New Muslim Cool begins with Hamza Pérez, a Puerto Rican Muslim revert, as he rebuilds his life through Islam while balancing faith, family, and community. The documentary follows his journey from being involved in street life to becoming a faith-driven community leader and rapper. Hamza uses hip-hop and religion to connect with young people and challenge stereotypes about Muslims in America. The film primarily takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and explores themes of identity, redemption, and the pursuit of peace in the post-9/11 world. It is directed by Jennifer Maytorena Taylor and was released in 2009.

Acculturation And Puerto Rican Muslim Reverts, Toni Akinbamowo

Occasional Essays

Introduction:

The documentary AmeRícan (n.d.) simultaneously covers the perspectives of two oft ignored groups of U.S. society–both Puerto Rican and Latino/e (both the gendered and gender neutral terms for individuals of Latin American heritage) Muslims. Bergenline Avenue, New Jersey has a heavy presence of Latino Muslims, especially those who are “Puerto Rican, Mexican, Dominican, Peruvian” ([00:00:49–00:00:50]). Latino Muslims in nearby neighborhoods have the privilege of having access to religious resources such as the North Hudson Islamic Education Center, “home to a large number of Latinx Muslims” ([01:23–01:25]).

The Grizzly, November 13, 2025, Renee Washart, Alex Zelaya, Julia Picklo, Sophia Kumar, Kat Carey, Emily Veasey, Erin Ewing

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Sparking Discussion: Advocacy & Community • Hope to C-U Tonight! • Sound (in) Sight: Honoring Tradition Through Dance • Being the Villain • Seniors' Wisdom • Halloween: A Night to Forget? • Ursinus Wrestling's Successful Season Debut • Ursinus Swim Teams Looking to Make Waves

Wagon Tracks Volume 39, Issue 4 (Aug 2025)

Wagon Tracks

Contents

2 On the Cover: Symposium Logo, Survey Chain

4 Trail Writings: Chris Day

5 Joanne’s Jottings

7 In Memorium: Margaret Sears

8 In Memorium: Larry Justice

9 Nominees for Offices and Board of Directors

11 Upcoming Events

12-31 Thomas Mather's 1825 Diary Edited and Annotated by Steve Schmidt and Craig Crease

29 Chapter Reports

32 Calendar

Wagon Tracks Volume 39, Issue 3 (May 2025)

Wagon Tracks

Contents

2 On the Cover: Symposium Logo, Survey Chain

4 Trail Writings: Chris Day

5 Joanne’s Jottings

6 News along the Trail

7 New Wagon Tracks Editor Named

8 Letter to Editor: Steve Schmidt

9 The Importance of Funding, Josiah Gregg Society: Rich Lawson

10-14 Marking a Road to Santa Fe: Symposium 2025

15-20 Leitensdorfer Men and Women: Santa Fe Trail Travelers and Traders By Doyle Daves

21-27 In Search of Furs and Freedom: African Americans on the Santa Fe Trail By William W. Gwaltney

28 Chapter Reports

29 Membership Form

32 Calendar

Wagon Tracks Volume 39, Issue 2 (Feb 2025)

Wagon Tracks

Contents

2 On the Cover: Jicarillo Young Woman and Cowboy Edward S. Curtis

4 Trail Writings: Chris Day

5-7 Joanne’s Jottings

7 Letter to Editor: Mike Olsen

7-9 News along the Trail

10 Preservation Committee: Alexa Roberts

12-17 An 1859 Contract for Exporting Wool on the Santa Fe Trail By Mary Penner

18-21 White Men Now Living Amongst Us By Ronald D. Parks

22-24 Jicarillo Apache Resistance By Doug Hocking

7/24 SFTA and Chapter 2024 Highlights

25 Chapter Reports

25 Membership Form

28 Calendar

The Grizzly, November 6, 2025, Renee Washart, Adam Denn, Alex Zelaya, Sidney Belleroche, Hanna Moghanaki, Erin Ewing

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

UC Hall of Famer Talks Basketball Development • HoCo NoMo? This Year's Lack of a Homecoming Court • Course Registration for Spring 2026 • Community's Shared Love for Music Brings New Life to Wind Ensemble • Finding My Way with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai • APEX at Ursinus: Unfair, and to Whom? • Where Legacies Live On: The Dave Matey Linebacker Lounge • Bears' Basketball Prepares for Battle

Slave Society Upon A Hill: A Historiography Of Slavery In Colonial Massachusetts, Katherine Mcgann

The Graduate Review

This paper explores the treatment of slavery in New England by different historians throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Slavery in the U.S. is most often associated with the American South, but slavery also existed and flourished in New England. The study of how slavery developed in New England is an integral part of American history, as it is significant to see how slavery could have existed in a place known for its liberal ideals and democratic heroism and how that affected the development of American society. It is also important to explore why the story of slavery in …

The U.S. Military's Development And Use Of The Helicopter Throughout The Viet-Nam War, Benjamin C. Arvin

Scholars Week

From the early 1960s to the mid 1970s, the helicopter’s roles were evolved far beyond what was present in the Korean War. It’s specializations included responsibilities such as medical evacuation, troop and cargo transportation, and direct assault. With each of these roles came designated models to be used for their specific test. The jungles of Viet-Nam would serve as a proving ground for this new aircraft, which would come to be essential for the United States military as the war continued, with each individual model proving their strengths and weaknesses both in and out of combat. Ultimately, this new revolutionary …

Stolen, Lost, And Replaced: Testimonios Regarding Chicana Responsibilities To The Spanish Language, Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ashley Martinez

International Journal on Responsibility

Using testimonio, the authors address how the Spanish language represents a component of Chicana identity. They illustrate how geography, history, and colonization impact Chicanas’ relationship with the Spanish language. Using testimonio allows the writers to explore the Spanish language in the United States through their personal experiences.

Resumen

Usando “testimonio”, las autoras abordan cómo el idioma español representa un componente de la identidad chicana. Ilustran cómo la geografía, la historia y la colonización afectan la relación de las chicanas con el idioma español. El uso de “testimonio” permite a las autoras explorar el idioma español en los Estados Unidos a …

Civilization, Brutality, And The Cherokee Nation During The Civil War, Sabrina L. As'ous

ATU Theses and Dissertations 2021 - Present

This thesis explores the role that the Cherokee Nation played during the Civil War in Indian Territory and in the border states. The Cherokee people were divided in loyalties between the Traditionalist Party led by Cherokee Chief John Ross and the Treaty Party of Major John Ridge. After the Treaty Party signed the New Echota Agreement with the United States Government, the Cherokee were expelled from their homelands in the Southeast and relocated to Indian Territory. With the murders of his family members, Stand Watie assumed the role of the leader of the Treaty Party and aligned with the Confederate …

The American Friends Of Irish Neutrality And The American Irish Defense Association: The Last Irish American Committees, Patrick J. Horan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines the complex narratives surrounding Irish neutrality during World War II within the Irish American community. It focuses on two key organizations, the American Friends of Irish Neutrality (AFIN) and the American Irish Defense Association (AIDA), arguing that the conflict over neutrality was a pivotal moment in the assimilation of Irish American identity. The study explores how Irish Americans balanced their connection to their ancestral homeland with their desire for full acceptance in the United States.

The research reveals a fervent propaganda war between the AFIN, a grassroots organization defending Ireland’s right to remain neutral, and the AIDA, …

Henry J. Duff – Unheralded Reformer, Russell J. Desimone

Dorr Scholarship

In the aftermath of the failed 1842 Dorr Rebellion, a new Rhode Island state constitution was drafted and ratified. It was claimed that the new constitution included many of the provisions that were in the extra-legal People’s Constitution. This was not exactly true. In one respect the new state constitution differed from the People’s Constitution in that naturalized citizens were required to have a freehold while native born citizens were not. Henry J. Duff, a naturalized citizen from Ireland, fought for a period of five years to have the state constitution amended to remove the freehold requirement for naturalized citizens. …

Front Matter

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

Revisiting The Geneva Summit 40 Years Later:, Thomas Quinn Marabello, Jonah S. Schaller

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Forty years ago this month, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met for the first time in Geneva, Switzerland. What became known as the “Geneva Summit” was an important Cold War meeting between the two superpowers that would reset and impact their relations to this day. The Geneva Summit, some would argue, was the beginning of the end of the Cold War, as both leaders began working towards arms reduction, peace, and cultural and educational exchanges between both countries. It is hard to believe that November 1985 was forty years ago. The world watched as the …

Did A Swiss American Invent The Cheeseburger?, Susann Bosshard-Kälin

Swiss American Historical Society Review

We know about Ricola. But hamburgers? Rumor says that German sailors in an American port put chopped beef on bread and named it “Hamburg” after their hometown. Whether this is true or not is unclear.

What is documented, however, is that Texan Fletcher Davis sold “hamburger steaks” at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. They consisted of a beef patty – a flat minced steak patty – with sweet pickles, mustard and onions, sandwiched between two halves of a bread roll.

So far so good.

But who invented the cheeseburger?

A 16th Century Anabaptist Woman Defies Zurich Authorities And Writes About It, Joël László

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Members of the Anabaptist movement in and around Zurich were persecuted and executed for their convictions during the Reformation. They continue to be disparaged and stereotyped to this day. But a look at the historical sources reveals a different picture ‒ that of a defiant movement in which women such as Margret Hottinger played a key role.

Nicola Wenz:, C. Naseer Ahmad

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Nicola Wenz is an award-winning bi-national producer and journalist from Switzerland and Germany, based in Washington, D.C. She works as a news producer for the German public television service Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), where she manages U.S. political coverage, including the White House, State Department, Capitol Hill, and the Pentagon. Her assignments are diverse, ranging from indepth feature stories and environmental issues to major news events across a wide geographic area from North America to China.

Swiss National Day

Swiss American Historical Society Review

The Swiss American Historical Society had a table at Swiss National Day, which was celebrated on the grounds of the Swiss Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, DC on Saturday, July 26th. While overall turnout was down from previous years, we had over 20 visitors stop by our table. Many had never heard of us before and we gained a few new members! We gave away extra copies of the June issue of the SAHS Review and talked about our recently published book, Helvetic Heights: A Human History of the Swiss Alps and William Tell virtual event for August 14th.

End Matter

Swiss American Historical Society Review

No abstract provided.

Why Is Ticino Part Of Switzerland?, Noah Businger

Swiss American Historical Society Review

Nowadays, the Canton of Ticino is considered as Swiss as anywhere else in Switzerland. However, it wasn’t always like that: putsches, revolutions, and independence movements once posed serious challenges to the status of the south-lying canton as part of Switzerland. So, how is it that Switzerland’s borders ended up south of the Alps? The answer lies not only in political upheaval and a desire to preserve local autonomy, but also in the symbolic integration of the canton into the national narrative. Over time, figures like William Tell and events like the uprising of 15 February 1798 became powerful tools of …