Empires in Early American History Conference

The Empires in Early American History Conference is a significant scholarly gathering taking place in Philadelphia, organized by the Gipson Institute in partnership with the McNeil Center for Early American Studies. This conference aims to explore the nuanced dynamics of early modern empires and their impact on the formation of ideas, material cultures, systems of slavery, settlement, and the experiences of ordinary individuals in early America.

The event seeks to address the evolving nature of empire within historical and historiographical contexts, focusing on how contemporary scholarship has reshaped our understanding of imperial influences in early American history.

Participants are encouraged to submit proposals that delve into critical questions surrounding early modern American empires, including their distinctiveness and the implications of recent scholarly shifts in understanding imperial frameworks. The conference will feature a range of discussion formats, including traditional panels with pre-circulated papers limited to 9,000 words.

Panelists will deliver concise ten-minute presentations to summarize their arguments, fostering an environment of robust dialogue. Additionally, the organizers express a particular interest in roundtable discussions that center on specific sources and their connections to imperial historiography. Selected papers may also be considered for publication in a special issue following the conference, underscoring the event's commitment to advancing scholarly discourse in the field.