The World History Association

09/01/2021

One month from today is the deadline for WHA Dissertation Prize submissions. The prize committee is now accepting submissions for doctoral dissertations in world, global, or transnational history completed between 31 August 2019 and 21 August 2021. The prize is $500 and a year’s membership to the WHA, not to mention a really cool CV line. For more information and instructions, see: https://www.thewha.org/awards/dissertation-prize/.

One month from today is the deadline for WHA Dissertation Prize submissions. The prize committee is now accepting submissions for doctoral dissertations in world, global, or transnational history completed between 31 August 2019 and 21 August 2021. The prize is $500 and a year’s membership to the WHA, not to mention a really cool CV line. For more information and instructions, see: https://www.thewha.org/awards/dissertation-prize/.

08/31/2021

As the world watches events painfully unfold in Afghanistan, a look at this country: history, foreign policy parallels and additional links to keep us digging deeper:

https://imperialglobalexeter.com/2021/08/21/this-weeks-top-picks-in-imperial-global-history-323/#more-7999

At the very least, we can be grateful for the perspective of journalists, historians and political scientists who keep us so well-informed. Thanks to all the WHA members whose global research makes us better teachers, scholars & thinkers.

As the world watches events painfully unfold in Afghanistan, a look at this country: history, foreign policy parallels and additional links to keep us digging deeper:

https://imperialglobalexeter.com/2021/08/21/this-weeks-top-picks-in-imperial-global-history-323/#more-7999

At the very least, we can be grateful for the perspective of journalists, historians and political scientists who keep us so well-informed. Thanks to all the WHA members whose global research makes us better teachers, scholars & thinkers.

08/24/2021

The latest issue of World History Connected can be found here:
https://worldhistoryconnected.press.uillinois.edu/. This issue’s Forum, edited by Brian Holstrom, includes nine articles that offer rich archival work & innovative teaching methods. The focus of the first two articles by Holstrom, & by Elizabeth Drummond & Amy Woodson writing jointly, provides insight into the challenges of restructuring a world history survey around the environment & ecology. Cynthia Ross & Marsha R. Robinson offer original research exploring the relationship between colonialism, ecology, & the environment, while also providing materials necessary for the classroom. Mathew Herbst demonstrates how any environment can serve as a basis for experiential learning with historical perspectives about the desert. Chris Tiegreen and Beth Petitjean’s articles which offer case studies of late medieval & early modern Italian environmental policies & water management with world history ramifications. Petitjean provides student group activities as part of a five-option package that includes online learning exercises. John Maunu’s database of digital resources includes material for teaching & learning about debates surrounding environmental movements & ecological concerns.

We are thrilled that so many of the authors are WHA members.

The latest issue of World History Connected can be found here:
https://worldhistoryconnected.press.uillinois.edu/. This issue’s Forum, edited by Brian Holstrom, includes nine articles that offer rich archival work & innovative teaching methods. The focus of the first two articles by Holstrom, & by Elizabeth Drummond & Amy Woodson writing jointly, provides insight into the challenges of restructuring a world history survey around the environment & ecology. Cynthia Ross & Marsha R. Robinson offer original research exploring the relationship between colonialism, ecology, & the environment, while also providing materials necessary for the classroom. Mathew Herbst demonstrates how any environment can serve as a basis for experiential learning with historical perspectives about the desert. Chris Tiegreen and Beth Petitjean’s articles which offer case studies of late medieval & early modern Italian environmental policies & water management with world history ramifications. Petitjean provides student group activities as part of a five-option package that includes online learning exercises. John Maunu’s database of digital resources includes material for teaching & learning about debates surrounding environmental movements & ecological concerns.

We are thrilled that so many of the authors are WHA members.

08/20/2021

The WHA is excited to announce that we have a discount code available for Gijs Mom’s _Globalizing Automobilism_, co-winner of our 2021 Bentley Book Prize.

From the publisher’s description: “Why has ‘car society’ proven so durable, even in the face of mounting environmental and economic crises? In this follow-up to his magisterial _Atlantic Automobilism_, Gijs Mom traces the global spread of the automobile in the postwar era and investigates why adopting more sustainable forms of mobility has proven so difficult. Drawing on archival research as well as wide-ranging forays into popular culture, Mom reveals here the roots of the exuberance, excess, and danger that define modern automotive culture.”

Use the code “MOM612” at for a 50% discount on either the hardcover or e-book.

The WHA is excited to announce that we have a discount code available for Gijs Mom’s _Globalizing Automobilism_, co-winner of our 2021 Bentley Book Prize.

From the publisher’s description: “Why has ‘car society’ proven so durable, even in the face of mounting environmental and economic crises? In this follow-up to his magisterial _Atlantic Automobilism_, Gijs Mom traces the global spread of the automobile in the postwar era and investigates why adopting more sustainable forms of mobility has proven so difficult. Drawing on archival research as well as wide-ranging forays into popular culture, Mom reveals here the roots of the exuberance, excess, and danger that define modern automotive culture.”

Use the code “MOM612” at for a 50% discount on either the hardcover or e-book.

08/09/2021

It’s WHA Dissertation Prize time again! The prize committee is now accepting submissions through 1 October 2021 for doctoral dissertations in world, global, or transnational history completed between 31 August 2019 and 21 August 2021. The prize is $500 and a year’s membership to the WHA, not to mention a really cool CV line. For more information and submission instructions, see: https://www.thewha.org/awards/dissertation-prize/

It’s WHA Dissertation Prize time again! The prize committee is now accepting submissions through 1 October 2021 for doctoral dissertations in world, global, or transnational history completed between 31 August 2019 and 21 August 2021. The prize is $500 and a year’s membership to the WHA, not to mention a really cool CV line. For more information and submission instructions, see: https://www.thewha.org/awards/dissertation-prize/

08/05/2021

As world historians, the Olympics is a fabulous study in global politics and human perseverance. A variety of athletes in larger countries are bringing home medals this year, as are athletes in countries not always associated with medals: Armenia, Ecuador, Uganda, Ireland, Fiji and Mexico.

A few places to view articles about the complex history of the games: the World History Bulletin, Fall/Winter 2020 issue (on the WHA member page), plus this interesting article by Harry Blutstein, who writes books on Olympic history: https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/180781https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/180781 and a more general historical overview at: https://www.history.com/topics/sports/olympic-games. Enjoy!

As world historians, the Olympics is a fabulous study in global politics and human perseverance. A variety of athletes in larger countries are bringing home medals this year, as are athletes in countries not always associated with medals: Armenia, Ecuador, Uganda, Ireland, Fiji and Mexico.

A few places to view articles about the complex history of the games: the World History Bulletin, Fall/Winter 2020 issue (on the WHA member page), plus this interesting article by Harry Blutstein, who writes books on Olympic history: https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/180781https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/180781 and a more general historical overview at: https://www.history.com/topics/sports/olympic-games. Enjoy!

08/03/2021

Last chance! Today, our friends at the OER Project begin their conference entitled OER Conference for Social Studies. This free conference is a perfect way to begin the new academic year.
It runs for the next 3 days and today the featured speaker is Bryan Stevenson (pictured below), author of Just Mercy. Register here: https://community.oerproject.com/.../oc-for-social.../.

Last chance! Today, our friends at the OER Project begin their conference entitled OER Conference for Social Studies. This free conference is a perfect way to begin the new academic year.
It runs for the next 3 days and today the featured speaker is Bryan Stevenson (pictured below), author of Just Mercy. Register here: https://community.oerproject.com/.../oc-for-social.../.

07/28/2021

Thanks again to our friends at the OER Project for their generous sponsorship of our 2021 Health, Globally Conference. Next week (August 3 - 5), WHA members have the opportunity to attend their conference, entitled OER Conference for Social Studies, for free. You can register here: https://community.oerproject.com/events/oc-for-social-studies-2021/.

The conference theme is “preparing for re-entry,” and there are eight different thematic tracks, including “Young Citizens,” “Assessing Historical Thinking,” and “Arguments with Evidence.” Each of these tracks has several pre-recorded “track talk” videos—about 71 videos in total. Hope to "see" you there.

Thanks again to our friends at the OER Project for their generous sponsorship of our 2021 Health, Globally Conference. Next week (August 3 - 5), WHA members have the opportunity to attend their conference, entitled OER Conference for Social Studies, for free. You can register here: https://community.oerproject.com/events/oc-for-social-studies-2021/.

The conference theme is “preparing for re-entry,” and there are eight different thematic tracks, including “Young Citizens,” “Assessing Historical Thinking,” and “Arguments with Evidence.” Each of these tracks has several pre-recorded “track talk” videos—about 71 videos in total. Hope to "see" you there.

07/26/2021

The WHA congratulates Noah Hull on winning the 2021 WHA Phi Alpha Theta Student Paper Prize on the undergraduate level. His paper entitled, "Who Wants to Live Forever: Freddie Mercury's Statue in (Montreux) Switzerland" is a pilgrimage site for many distinct groups of people offering a variety of interpretations. Mr. Hull used internet, primary and secondary sources both material and theoretical to inform his work and offered insights about cultural reception.

Congratulations to Noah Hull on this fine paper and sophisticated approach for an undergraduate work.

The WHA congratulates Noah Hull on winning the 2021 WHA Phi Alpha Theta Student Paper Prize on the undergraduate level. His paper entitled, "Who Wants to Live Forever: Freddie Mercury's Statue in (Montreux) Switzerland" is a pilgrimage site for many distinct groups of people offering a variety of interpretations. Mr. Hull used internet, primary and secondary sources both material and theoretical to inform his work and offered insights about cultural reception.

Congratulations to Noah Hull on this fine paper and sophisticated approach for an undergraduate work.

07/25/2021

World History Connected | The e-Journal of Learning and Teaching | Home

Are you relaxing over the weekend and looking for some great reading? Taking the opportunity to work but need a short break? Either way, you are in luck! The new issue of World History Connected is here - Volume 18, Issue 2. Ecology and Environment!

https://worldhistoryconnected.press.uillinois.edu/

World history poses extraordinary demands upon those who teach it, challenging the talent of experienced instructors as well as to those new to the field. World History Connected is designed for everyone who wants to deepen the engagement and understanding of world history: students, college instruc...

07/21/2021

The WHA proudly recognizes Connie Hudgeons as the (other) 2021 Pioneer Award recipient. She has been a WHA Council Member, was instrumental in organizing the 2012 WHA Conference in Albuquerque, has been a long-time AP World History Reader and has mentored dozens of readers and teachers and is a WHA Lifetime Member.

Until her recent retirement, she has been not only a highly skilled teacher, but also a life-long learner who worked tirelessly to improve public education in history in New Mexico and across the US. Angela Lee recalls, “I remember sitting with her as a younger teacher, and just listening to her wisdom while jotting down ideas . . . on napkins during snacks and meals (at the reading).” Candice Goucher added, “What stands out for me is Connie's sense of humor and her depth.” Hat off to Connie Hudgeons & her fine contributions to our field!

The WHA proudly recognizes Connie Hudgeons as the (other) 2021 Pioneer Award recipient. She has been a WHA Council Member, was instrumental in organizing the 2012 WHA Conference in Albuquerque, has been a long-time AP World History Reader and has mentored dozens of readers and teachers and is a WHA Lifetime Member.

Until her recent retirement, she has been not only a highly skilled teacher, but also a life-long learner who worked tirelessly to improve public education in history in New Mexico and across the US. Angela Lee recalls, “I remember sitting with her as a younger teacher, and just listening to her wisdom while jotting down ideas . . . on napkins during snacks and meals (at the reading).” Candice Goucher added, “What stands out for me is Connie's sense of humor and her depth.” Hat off to Connie Hudgeons & her fine contributions to our field!

07/20/2021

The WHA congratulates Andrew Merz on winning the 2021 WHA Phi Alpha Theta Student Paper Prize on the graduate level. His paper entitled, "The British Middle East Campaign in World War I: A Brief Historiography of an Oil Origin Story" challenges the prevailing view of WWI historians that the British goals in the Middle East were solely patriotic. Instead through primary sources and T.E. Lawrence he shows that the British gvt. sought to acquire territory that was thought to be oil rich.

We appreciate the applications from those who applied and the fact that new, viable scholarship continues in our field. Hats off to Andrew Merz!

The WHA congratulates Andrew Merz on winning the 2021 WHA Phi Alpha Theta Student Paper Prize on the graduate level. His paper entitled, "The British Middle East Campaign in World War I: A Brief Historiography of an Oil Origin Story" challenges the prevailing view of WWI historians that the British goals in the Middle East were solely patriotic. Instead through primary sources and T.E. Lawrence he shows that the British gvt. sought to acquire territory that was thought to be oil rich.

We appreciate the applications from those who applied and the fact that new, viable scholarship continues in our field. Hats off to Andrew Merz!

07/16/2021

One of the many positives to holding the WHA 2021 Health, Globally annual conference last week was recognizing great historians with the WHA Pioneer Award. Hats off to Dr. Kerry Ward - who has been an involved WHA Lifetime Member, and through the years our ACLS representative, the WHA Secretary and a Council Member.

But ultimately, the award recognizes her important scholarship as a historian. Kerry Ward is at the forefront of a new generation of scholars. Trained in both African and Southeast Asian histories and languages, she joined Rice University as the department's first world history scholar. Her editorial work at The Journal of World History and mentorship of early career scholars leaves a positive global footprint.

The WHA thanks you again for your remarkable contribution!

One of the many positives to holding the WHA 2021 Health, Globally annual conference last week was recognizing great historians with the WHA Pioneer Award. Hats off to Dr. Kerry Ward - who has been an involved WHA Lifetime Member, and through the years our ACLS representative, the WHA Secretary and a Council Member.

But ultimately, the award recognizes her important scholarship as a historian. Kerry Ward is at the forefront of a new generation of scholars. Trained in both African and Southeast Asian histories and languages, she joined Rice University as the department's first world history scholar. Her editorial work at The Journal of World History and mentorship of early career scholars leaves a positive global footprint.

The WHA thanks you again for your remarkable contribution!