Student Abstracts

Below is a sample of some of the exciting research projects undergraduate students worked on in the last year.

“Converging Trajectories: Americanism, Mexicanism, and the Texas Revolution,” by Gunner J. Benson, History 469 

Since before their inception as European colonies in the New World, the sociopolitical and cultural ideologies of the United States and Mexico began developing in a distinct and conflicting manner. Though the Texas Revolution is often thought of as simply the response of a cultural and ethnic minority to maltreatment at the hands of the Mexican government, my research contends that it was these divergent paths in the development of Americanism and Mexicanism (going as far back as the signing of the Magna Carta in England and the Reconquista in Spain) that made the revolution inevitable. Almost as soon as American settlers began their push into the Brazos River Valley, these incompatibilities were made manifest. Americans brought with them distinct sets of ideals pertaining to their rights, religion, and social status, all of which were at odds with those of the Mexicans. Stipulations put in place by the Mexican government, such as the abandoning of US citizenship and the forced conversion to Catholicism, all served to increase the strain on ideological cohesion. The utilization of historical records and documents from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century, and sources authored by those at the forefront of historical research pertaining to Texas and Mexico, prove that as tensions further mounted, the Texas Revolution ensued not solely as the push for self-governance and determination, but as the battle for ideological hegemony in the region. 

“Unearthing the Forgotten Heroes: The Untold Stories of Women in the Civil Rights Movement,” by Kehaunani Yamanoha, History 105 

In my research project, I chose to focus on highlighting the stories of lesser-known female activists who played a significant role in shaping history. Utilizing resources such as oral histories, biographies, and primary source documents, I uncovered inspiring tales of courage and resilience. One interesting thing I discovered was the strategic organizing tactics employed by these women were instrumental in advancing the cause of civil rights. Throughout history, there have been countless female activists who have played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today. While some of these women are well-known figures, there are many lesser-known activists whose contributions have been equally important. 

One such activist is Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist and suffragist who fought against lynching and racial injustice in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Wells used her platform to bring attention to the brutal violence faced by Black Americans and was a founding member of the NAACP. Another lesser-known activist is Dolores Huerta, a labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez. Huerta fought for better working conditions for farmworkers and was instrumental in organizing strikes and boycotts to bring about change. 

These women, along with many others, have made lasting contributions to social justice movements and have helped shape history in profound ways. It is important to recognize their efforts and continue to learn from their examples as we strive for a more just and equitable society. My sources included interviews with surviving activists, memoirs written by participants, and archival materials from various civil rights organizations. By shedding light on these hidden figures, I hope to inspire high school seniors to delve deeper into this important chapter of our nation’s history. 

“Kentucky, the Union Slave State: How Loyalties Changed During the Civil War,” by Dodge Matthews, History 469 

Kentucky’s multifaceted identity before, during, and after the Civil War, focused primarily on its economic, cultural, and political dimensions. Initially an agricultural state reliant on slavery, Kentucky saw a shift towards manufacturing alongside a divided loyalty between North and South. Post-war, Kentucky’s unexpected sympathy for the Confederacy puzzled historians. Some historians argued for a unique consciousness, while others cited a historical predisposition to Confederate sympathies. My paper suggests various factors contributed to this shift, including economic interests, political realities, and reactions to figures like Stephen Burbridge. Prominent families like the Underwoods and Breckinridges exemplify this societal division, shedding light on shifting loyalties among white slave-owning populations. Figures like Henry Clay advocated for national unity through compromises on slavery, influencing future politicians like Abraham Lincoln, who was shaped by Kentucky’s complex stance on slavery. Ultimately, Kentucky’s nuanced political landscape, economic changes, and cultural influences shaped its trajectory before and after the Civil War and showcase the intricate interplay of factors in shaping regional identity and allegiance during a tumultuous period in American history. 

“The Echoes of Revolution: Unraveling the 1917 Russian Uprising,” by Haneen Aljabri, History 105 

In early 1917, a series of strikes and demonstrations unexpectedly erupted in Petrograd, igniting the Russian Revolution and leading to the collapse of the Tsarist regime. My fascination with how a seemingly stable monarchy could so rapidly disintegrate drove me to explore the deep- seated causes and explosive events of this period. Using resources like the in-depth analyses found in Donald J. Raleigh’s articles and the firsthand accounts in the “Archives of the Russian Revolution,” I uncovered the complex interplay of political mismanagement, widespread social discontent, and the decisive role of charismatic leaders like Lenin. These elements converged in a perfect storm, culminating in the dramatic overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the establishment of the Bolshevik regime. 

This research revealed that the revolution was not merely a spontaneous event but the climax of longstanding conflicts within Russian society, exacerbated by the strains of World War I. The transformation from an imperial state to a socialist regime was marked by significant shifts in power dynamics, which continued to influence global politics throughout the twentieth century. Delving deeper into the socioeconomic conditions and the pivotal moments of the revolution, I gained a nuanced understanding of how revolutionary ideals can galvanize a population and how leadership can both inspire and betray a movement. Through this study, I discovered the profound impact of historical events on shaping the course of nations and their peoples, making the Russian Revolution a timeless study of power, resistance, and change. 

“The Long History of Native American Education,” by Sebastian Sanders, History 308 

For as long as we can remember, the fate of Indigenous education has been in the hands of everyone but Native Americans. Even today we see Native American education agencies burdened with superfluous standards not supported by adequate public investment, expecting these autonomous nations to foot the bill of centuries of maltreatment from their stewards. It’s important to understand the intentions the United States government had for Native education throughout our country’s history; how forcibly applying our education system was meant to solve a white-created problem through means of piety, discipline, and religious conversion. This short essay seeks to compare language from relevant actors of Native education throughout history with specific legislation drafted by our federal government. Each of the sources brought forth in this essay illuminates how non-Indigenous folk sought to determine the utility of Native education and used it to reinforce their white supremacist hegemony. While this project is brief, it differs from a cursory review of Native education by employing specific legislation, statistics, and rhetoric surrounding Native education and begs the question of what direction it should move toward.