University of Oklahoma Historical Journal
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The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal features the very best work produced by our undergraduate students. The Historical Journal testifies to the intellectual values our department espouses: hard work, rigorous thinking, distinctive style, and academic integrity. Published annually, this peer-reviewed journal is governed by five undergraduate editors who are nominated and elected by the history faculty. Their election to the editorial board recognizes their excellence in a broad variety of history courses at OU and marks their transition from students to intellectual leaders.
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Undergraduate Open Access The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal(4/1/16) Otto, Jon; Strachan, Kiersten; Thompson, Rita; Hurd, Elizabeth; Cole, Emily; Smith, Robert; Miles, Sarah; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Otis, Franklin; Clark, Matthew; Folsom, Raphael; Olberding, Garret; Griswold, RobertPreface to the Fifth Issue of the OU Historical Journal by the EditorsUndergraduate Open Access The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal(4/1/15) Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; McCullough, Morgan; Miles, Sarah; Robertson, Terrence; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretPreface to the Fourth Issue of the OU Historical Journal by the EditorsUndergraduate Open Access The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal(4/1/14) Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Hamilton, Brooke; Rodríguez, Monique; McCullogh, Morgan; Scheller Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretPreface to the Third Issue of the OU Historical Journal by Raphael Folsom, Assistant Professor of HistoryUndergraduate Open Access The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal(10/1/13) Scheller, Austin; Ross, Madeline; Tenney, Lena; Renner, Scott; Conklin, Madison; Long, Madison; Moore, Nathan; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, AlanPreface to the Second Issue of the OU Historical Journal by Jamie Hart, Chair, University of Oklahoma Department of HistoryUndergraduate Open Access The University of Oklahoma Historical Journal(10/1/12) Blanchard, Tessa; Riley, Meghan; Carter, Michael; Geary, Ryan; Renner, Scott; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, AlanPreface to the Inaugural Issue of the OU Historical Journal by Raphael B. Folsom, Assistant Professor of HistoryUndergraduate Open Access Intersections of Anarcho-Feminism: Emma Goldman, Mujeras Libres, and the Spanish Civil War(10/1/13) Wright, Alexandra; Scheller, Austin; Ross, Madeline; Tenney, Lena; Renner, Scott; Conklin, Madison; Long, Madison; Moore, Nathan; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, AlanIn this paper, Alexandra Wright evokes a feminist movement that flared to life in 1930’s Spain, burned brightly amid the political chaos of the Spanish Civil War, and just as quickly burned out. Emma Goldman’s sexually based anarcho-feminism was too hot for mainstream Spanish women to handle. But like the flash of an explosion, this radical ideology left a bright spot in the vision of Spain’s women for years to come. The possibilities that emerged in Goldman’s movement for women’s liberation, women’s advancement, women’s involvement in the great political issues of their day were a precedent for future feminist pioneers. Wright’s research is thorough, her analysis evenhanded, and her exposition sparklingly clear. –Raphael FolsomUndergraduate Open Access Benjamin Franklin and George Adams, Jr.: Enlightened Entrepeneurs(4/1/14) Wilson, Connor; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Hamilton, Brooke; Rodríguez, Monique; McCullogh, Morgan; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretIn “Benjamin Franklin and George Adams, Jr.: Enlightenment Entrepreneurs,” Connor Wilson shows us that in the Early Republic, science was used to capture both the public’s imagination and pocketbooks. Making deft use of the writings of two Enlightenment scientists, Wilson shows that his subjects were not simply acting on altruistic motives, but worked to create a scientific literature that could be marketed to mass audiences. Examining an issue that historians have long overlooked, Wilson demonstrates that science in the Enlightenment created a tradition of a profitable and educational inquiry that has had lasting effects on scientific practice. –Morgan McCulloughUndergraduate Open Access At the Intersection of Natural, Theological, and Political Practice in 16th Century Northern Europe: Tycho Brahe's and Philipp Melanchthon's Astrological Adventures(4/1/15) Vieth, Paul; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; McCullough, Morgan; Miles, Sarah; Robertson, Terrence; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretPerhaps never has someone written so commendable a compliment which could, with as much accuracy, describe him- or herself as Tycho has done here. There is a popular misconception afoot concerning science, namely, that it and theology are fundamentally mutually-exclusive modes of thought and have almost inevitably antagonistic truth-procedures to the point that science is seen as waging a war against religious belief. This misconception, though perhaps more comprehensible in this day and age, is never more obviously false than when the early modern period, through the telescope of history, if you will, is under examination. Throughout the narrative of sixteenth-century astronomy, Tycho Brahe’s personal and professional opinions, as well as those of his political and academic peers, run contrary to these modern misconceptions. As will be seen herein, the codependent enmeshing of religion and politics holds as truly for natural inquiry and religion. Rather than being combative alternative routes to higher truth, theology and natural philosophy in this period, rather, for some early modern scholars and theologians, operate in conjunction with one another. Not only do the theological and scientific cohabitate in the minds of sixteenth-century scholars, they cooperate to such an extent that any acuteness of understanding in natural philosophy is consequently and necessarily an exercise in scrutinizing the divine. This is neatly, though not uniquely, evident in Tycho Brahe’s program of astronomical empiricism, its prognostic applications, and Philip Melanchthon’s encouragement of and the Danish court’s patronage of such an endeavor.Undergraduate Open Access The Tragedy at Robin Hood Hills: How the Media, Witchcraft, and a False Confession Imprisoned the West Memphis Three and Ultimately Led to their Freedom(4/1/16) Unruh, Madison; Otto, Jon; Strachan, Kiersten; Thompson, Rita; Hurd, Elizabeth; Cole, Emily; Smith, Robert; Miles, Sarah; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Otis, Franklin; Clark, Matthew; Folsom, Raphael; Olberding, Garret; Griswold, RobertBeginning in the 1980s, America was plagued with a fear of Satanism and witchcraft. The establishment of Anton Lavey’s Church of Satan, the expansion of the Wiccan religion, and cult leaders like Jim Jones and Charles Manson making headlines in the decades prior, culminated in national anxieties over occult practices. In the midst of the hysteria, three gruesome murders of young boys occurred in the small town of West Memphis, Arkansas. Unable to comprehend the shocking homicides, the community turned to witchcraft to explain the unexplainable.Undergraduate Open Access When Movie Magic Conjures Historical Amnesia: The Over-Personalization and Simplification of the Origins of Nazi Anti-Semitism in Film(4/1/16) Thompson, Rita M.; Otto, Jon; Strachan, Kiersten; Thompson, Rita; Hurd, Elizabeth; Cole, Emily; Smith, Robert; Miles, Sarah; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Otis, Franklin; Clark, Matthew; Folsom, Raphael; Olberding, Garret; Griswold, RobertThis paper minces no words in addressing the problems presented in documentary coverage of Hitler. Popular documentaries misplace the emphasis of Hitler’s role in anti-Semitism and lend bias in the facts they present. This paper demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject matter. Thompson’s thorough research and clear writing lead the reader through the historical context surrounding Hitler and the rise of anti-Semitism. She illustrates other factors that contributed to anti-Semitism in Europe, and how people must take historical context into consideration when viewing historical documentaries. –Emily Cole.Undergraduate Open Access A Church Divided: American Catholics and the Equal Rights Amendment(10/1/13) Tenney, Lena; Scheller, Austin; Ross, Madeline; Tenney, Lena; Renner, Scott; Conklin, Madison; Long, Madison; Moore, Nathan; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, AlanReligion and Equal Rights are topics that have been relevant throughout history up until the present day. Ms. Tenney’s thoughtful look at the divisions caused by the ERA within the Catholic Church is an excellent piece of both religious studies and historical scholarship. Her paper is an example of thorough research, quality writing and comprehensive analysis. –Madison ConklinUndergraduate Open Access Student Starts: How the Media Covered 1960's Student Protest Leaders(4/1/16) Sulkowski, John; Otto, Jon; Strachan, Kiersten; Thompson, Rita; Hurd, Elizabeth; Cole, Emily; Smith, Robert; Miles, Sarah; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Otis, Franklin; Clark, Matthew; Folsom, Raphael; Olberding, Garret; Griswold, RobertJohn Sulkowski’s Student Stars: How the Media Covered 1960’s Student Protest Leaders, demonstrates the continuing importance of analyzing the role our media plays in influencing our perception of history. -Sarah MilesUndergraduate Open Access Much to Lose by Revolution: Nothing to Dread from Reform: Education Reform as a Means of Class Alliance in Victorian England(4/1/15) Stringer, William; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; McCullough, Morgan; Miles, Sarah; Robertson, Terrence; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretMany historians agree that the Victorian period was crucial in the development of education in England. In fact Dinah Birch, in her 2008 book Our Victorian Education goes so far as to say that it was the genesis of the current English education system. However, the reasons for these education reforms and developments is a topic that is much less agreed upon. The reasons put forth by different historians are varied; ranging from increases in the need for a scientific knowledge to stress brought on by various religious sects and dissenters clamouring for their own schools and headmasters. Yet another factor commonly discussed is simply the drastic decrease in the infant mortality rate brought about by the industrial revolution and the subsequent increase in the amount of children living long enough to attend school. While I don’t dispute any of these influences, I would argue that the driving force behind changes in education at the time was class interests. By that I mean that class conflict, and attempts to dissuade it, was the engine which drove the Victorians to reform first their choice of enfranchised and then their secondary education system.Undergraduate Open Access The Deepest Circle of Hell: Sex Crimes Propagated at Unit 731 During the Pacific War (1931-1945)(4/1/16) Strachan, Kiersten; Otto, Jon; Strachan, Kiersten; Thompson, Rita; Hurd, Elizabeth; Cole, Emily; Smith, Robert; Miles, Sarah; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Otis, Franklin; Clark, Matthew; Folsom, Raphael; Olberding, Garret; Griswold, RobertIn a previous paper on the subject of Unit 731, I argued that Japan, before and throughout the Pacific War (1931-1945), attempted to systemically bolster its imperial credentials as a colonizer by developing its scientific establishment, in an attempt to display that it had surpassed Western nations. The experiments conducted at Unit 731 contributed to this goal. Japanese medical professionals used Unit 731 as an opportunity to conduct experiments on humans, which social stigma and global scientific ethical standards had previously prevented. The results of the Unit’s experiments were disseminated worldwide in order to prove Japan’s capacity to contribute to global scientific establishments. Additionally, a broad range of sex experiments were also conducted using (mostly) female and child prisoners. When reviewing primary source material that relates to sexual experiments conducted at the facility, it seems that though the scientific or rational motivations underpinned some experiments, other sex crimes cannot be justified as anything other than gross excesses of senseless violence. While non sexual experiments could be justified as attempts to solve disease, display Japanese modernity, or collected research for the development of advanced biological weaponry, the obscenity of some sex acts committed cannot be justified by these motivations. Why were sex experiments unique? Why were women, whose limbs were black with disease, raped by multiple guards at once? Why were prisoners abused and defiled, as their children, who were the result of forced impregnation, watched? In terms of the abuses that occurred at Unit 731, it is easy to homogenize ‘sex experiments’ and ‘sex crimes’ as the same thing. However, when analyzing these grotesque incidents, it becomes clear that the guards of the facility were motivated by different factors during experiments, which I will contrast with sexual violence propagated against the inmate population. The distinction I will argue in this paper is that it was the guards, staff, and independent medical practitioners who perpetuated crimes against humanity (expressed in sexual form). In regard to this violent, they acted as individuals, independent from the military-scientific establishment that operated and conceived of the Unit and the clinical sex experiments.Undergraduate Open Access The Lie in the Teapot: China, China Export Porcelain, and the Construction of Orientalism during the American Republic(4/1/15) Strachan, Kiersten; Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; McCullough, Morgan; Miles, Sarah; Robertson, Terrence; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretThe Lie in The Teapot: China, China Export Porcelain, and the Construction of Orientalism during the American Republic, by Kiersten Strachan is an original and provocative contribution to our understanding of early American culture. Strachan has navigated the difficulties of transnational and comparative scholarship by drawing upon material culture. By using physical objects to help make her argument, Strachan explores a type of primary source that many historians do not draw upon. As she considers these ceramics, she participates in a critical discussion about orientalism and the way trade, travel, and racial stereotypes influence one another. Additionally, we have all seen the pottery that her essay discusses, because chinaware is still a major part of American culture in some regions of the United States. Strachan's essay critically examines the origins and consequences of this cultural borrowing and forces us to do the same. – Sarah CappsUndergraduate Open Access The Impact of Failed Lesbian Feminist Ideology and Rhetoric(10/1/13) Shannahan, Katy; Scheller, Austin; Ross, Madeline; Tenney, Lena; Renner, Scott; Conklin, Madison; Long, Madison; Moore, Nathan; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, Alan"The Impact of Failed Lesbian Feminist Ideology and Rhetoric" is a sophisticated analysis of the politics of lesbian feminism. Lesbian feminism, a radical feminist separatist movement that emerged as part of second-wave feminism, advocated that all feminists should embrace a lesbian identity in order to break apart the chains of patriarchy.By examining the writings of lesbian feminists such as Radical lesbians and the Leeds Revolutionary Group (and their critics), Shannahan, convincingly argues that lesbian feminism was not solely "an isolated and outdated form of feminism," but rather a movement that served as a gadfly that "helped to shape the direction of the mainstream feminist movement." –Sandie HolguínUndergraduate Open Access Famine, Genocide, and Memory: Ukrainians and the Commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor(10/1/12) Schmidt, Taylor; Blanchard, Tessa; Carter, Michael; Geary, Ryan; Renner, Scott; Riley, Meghan; Folsom, Raphael; Holguín, Sandie; Levenson, AlanHistory is political. Never has this been truer than in the former Soviet Union, where the past was subject to incessant ‘revisions.’ Mr. Schmidt takes on the Ukrainian famine, or Holodomor, from an international perspective, and does so quite thoroughly. As the paper unfolds, the reader comes to realize how inextricably entwined Ukranian identity is with this event. Genocide perpetrated on Ukranian people, or unintended pan-Soviet tragedy, the Holodomor’s political implications reach across oceans. The paper distinguishes itself with its in depth research and the author’s acute sensitivity to the gravity of the topic he so brilliantly explores. - Ryan GearyUndergraduate Open Access Their Clothes Spoke Louder Than Their Words: How Three Founding Fathers Used Clothes to Convey Their Patriotism(and the enterprising spirit that motivated them to forge the new nation. History senior Kristina Rosenthal's "Their Clothes Spoke Louder Than Their Words: How Three Founding Fathers Used Clothes to Convey Their Patriotism) Rosenthal, Kristina; http://history.ou.edu/journal; 2012-10-01; OU historical journal ; 1 (Fall 2012); Blanchard, Tessa; Carter, Michael; Geary, Ryan; Renner, Scott; Riley, MeghanTwo hundred and thirty-six years after the Declaration of Independence, Americans remain fascinated by the country's founding generation, and the enterprising spirit that motivated them to forge the new nation. History senior Kristina Rosenthal'sUndergraduate Open Access Out of the Ashes: African American Responses to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War(He has fewer illusions about the world.” Schuyler looked forward to the future by looking back into the past, that is, the not too distant past"ting in 1938, two years after Fascist Italy conquered Ethiopia, the eminent African American intellectual and columnist George S. Schuyler proclaimed the Rise of the Black In) Romines, Blake; 2015-04-01; OU historical journal ; 4 (Spring 2015); Capps, Sarah; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; McCullough, Morgan; Miles, Sarah; Robertson, Terrence; Rodríguez, Monique; Romines, Richard; Scheller, AustinWriting in 1938, two years after Fascist Italy conquered Ethiopia, the eminent African American intellectual and columnist George S. Schuyler proclaimed the Rise of the Black Internationale. Having faced the travails of white imperialism for over a century, Schuyler wrote of a new Negro, a more informed Negro, that is “no longer blindly worshipful of his rulers…Undergraduate Open Access An Ambivalent Revolution: A Review of Capitalism, God, and a Good Cigar(4/1/14) Rodriguez, Monique; Collins, Adriana; Dixon, Arthur; Hamilton, Brooke; Rodríguez, Monique; McCullogh, Morgan; Scheller, Austin; Folsom, Raphael; Griswold, Robert; Olberding, GarretAny analysis of postrevolutionary Cuba, the first socialist republic to rise in Latin America, is inherently political. The volatile and lively debates surrounding the island nation's successes and failures spark up with new vigor each time a study is published, like a flame fed gasoline. Lydia Chávez, a professor at the University of California, brought a group of journalism students to Cuba to teach them how to report on foreign affairs in 2001. This visit became the basis for this book. It portrays Cuba as still in the midst of a transition that should have been concluded soon after the end of the revolution in 1959. To merely say Cuba is between capitalism and socialism would not quite capture the complex reality on the ground. Socialism developed unevenly in the decades following the revolution; aspects of capitalism disappeared and reappeared in new forms as the US embargo and fall of the USSR took its toll on the country. Chávez sees this uneven development best embodied in her memory of poor children with eyeglasses begging for dollars. People who are starving still receive other types of healthcare. Cuba is full of seeming contradictions. This book, a collection of impressions of Cuban society written by her students, has much to contribute to the debate but falls short of providing a complete view of Cuban society in the twentieth century.