Category: Academic
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From Mexico to Greenland: A History of American Expansionism
American Expansionism has a long, and often violent, history. Eva Beere charts the development of the idea of ‘Manifest Destiny’, noting its relevance to contemporary politics.
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Beyond Devotion: The Multifaceted Functions of Early Netherlandish Altarpieces
At first glance, early Netherlandish Altarpieces seem to have primarily devotional and religious functions. However, they also have more subtle societal purposes, representing a community’s collective identity. Emily Jones explores the fascinatingly intricate and diverse meanings behind these cultural artefacts.
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Trapping a Witch in Your Boot: Three Curious Counter-Witchcraft Methods in Early Modern England
Elida Lyons outlines some of the superstitious practices early modern society engaged in to prevent witchcraft, from dried cats to concealed shoes.
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Journey to Banana Land: How the United Fruit Company colluded with the CIA to Topple Guatemala’s elected government
Cold War politics and propaganda affected countries all over the world. Jake Beecroft explores the rise and fall of the United Fruit Company’s economic and political monopoly over Guatemala.
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“It is not good for Francis to be alone […] and in this way Clare was created”: Hagiographical Phenomenon and Saintly Adolescence
![“It is not good for Francis to be alone […] and in this way Clare was created”: Hagiographical Phenomenon and Saintly Adolescence](https://retrospectjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/nuremberg_chronicles_-_alpaidis_holy_woman_and_seer_from_cudota_ccvv.jpg?w=1024)
Harry Fry examines socio-cultural differences among adolescent saints, revealing a broader understanding beyond elite-centric narratives in medieval hagiography.
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Playing God: The “Other Coup” of the Greek Military Junta (1967-1974)
Alexander Stroem traces how, between 1967 and 1974, the Greek Military Junta leveraged religious authority to legitimize and maintain its dictatorial regime.
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From Factory Occupations to Forgotten: The Masculinisation of Scottish Deindustrialisation and the Women This Leaves Behind
Scottish women’s industrial contributions and resistance during deindustrialisation remain largely overshadowed by male-centric narratives. Lauren Hood offers an insight into the participation of women in the process.
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Surviving a Breakup: The Maoist Perspective
In 1949, Mao’s victory transformed China, adopting Soviet-style governance. Emilio Luppino explores China’s ‘breakup’ with Soviet rule and the autonomous path charted by Mao.
Retrospect Journal 