Clio, the Greek muse of history, with scrolls. The name khronikos derives from the Greek word for time.
Welcome to the Khronikos blog! This blog is dedicated to showcasing the work of University of Maine graduate history students. Here you’ll find original research posts, book reviews, from the archives, and other history-related discussions.
Divergent Development: Perceptions of Technology in U.S.-Middle Eastern Relations during the 1950s
Divergent perceptions of technology have largely marked U.S. relations with the Middle East. These differing perspectives often influenced the United States both internationally and domestically. However, the United States did not perceive the Middle East as a single bloc of countries; perceptions differed significantly regarding Israel, which the United States generally supported. While U.S. support for Israel grew more significant in later decades, it was visible during the 1950s. During that decade—and especially following the completion of the Egyptian-Czech arms deal in 1955—there was notable support for Israel in the United States. While they shared support for Israel, U.S. proponents articulated their recommendations for the Middle Eastern country in various ways. Read More.
Iroquois Informers: Spies, Knowledge, and Empire in the Northeast Borderlands
Iroquois peoples occupied a unique position in the imperial northeastern borderlands. The Six Nations Iroquois, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, Cayuga, and Tuscarora that lived in the confederated villages of Iroquoia dwelled between rival British and French Empires. This precarious position prompted both power and peril for the confederacy. In addition, many other Iroquois chose to live in mission villages (domicilés), such as Kahnawake and Oswegatchie,in French Canada. These Indians were often engaged in the smuggling of furs to New York, raids against New England, diplomatic missions to Iroquoia and the British colonies, and informal travels to visit their kin to the south. The movement of both Six Nation and mission Iroquois enabled them to be purveyors of highly sensitive knowledge. Iroquois visiting forts to trade or attending a council in a colonial town heard rumors, interacted with officers and officials, and witnessed military activities firsthand. Scholars of the Six Nations have detailed the ways that they were able to share and withhold vital information from both the French and British in order to preserve their valued neutrality in conflicts such as the Seven Years War. However, the role of individual confederacy and mission Iroquois working as spies for the French and British has remained largely unexplored. Like James Fenimore Cooper’s character Magua in Last of the Mohicans, these real-life imperial operatives often exercised their mobility, switched loyalties, and engaged in dramatic exploits and intrigues. Read More.
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All posts on the Khronikos Blog are the intellectual property of the assigned author. One of the major goal of the blog is to contribute to the general body of historical knowledge, therefore, we welcome readers to use our work to inform their own. We request that full bibliographic credit by given for any direct quotes, ideas, or original images. A sample Chicago Manual of Style citation appears at the end of our most recent posts.
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Header Image Credit: “Battle of Hasting Scene V,” http://www.bayeuxtapestry.org.uk/
