ANN: Call for Papers THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (SAR) Annual Conference on the American Revolution The American Revolution: War on the Waters Norfolk, VA June 7-9, 2024

Call for Papers
THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (SAR) Annual Conference on the American Revolution
The American Revolution: War on the Waters Norfolk, VA
June 7-9, 2024

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invite proposals for papers to be presented at the SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution. The conference shall examine and consider the influence of maritime operations on the course of the war and American independence. Alfred Thayer Mahan, America’s foremost authority on naval history and strategy in the late-19th century and early-20th centuries, seemed conflicted on the importance of the war at sea from 1775 to 1783. In 1913, his The Major Operations of the Navies in the War for Independence was published as part of his sea-power series. Mahan focused singularly on operations between the great naval powers of the time, ignoring contributions Americans made at sea. His indifference to America’s role was intentional; Mahan’s point was to emphasize the importance of fleet-centric warfare and capital ships, not to celebrate naval operations which were limited to guerre de course.
This conference seeks to use a wider lens to assess maritime operations during the War for Independence, while also opening new inquiries and research methodologies on the subject. Some questions include but are not limited to: maritime operations and the sea power-continental power debate, the influence of geographic and environmental factors on naval operations and the globalization of the war, the contribution of American privateers, Continental Navy and Marine operations, the slave trade during the war, contingency and the war at sea, the West Indies as a distraction to British political objectives, Royal Navy tactical doctrine and decision-making, and the contribution of American sailors and marines to the creation of an “American” identity.

The SAR invites paper proposals from graduate students, scholars, public history practitioners, and members of other disciplines who wish to contribute to the body of knowledge. Proposals should include a 200-word abstract and concise (maximum 2-page) CV. Proposals should be submitted by September 15, 2023 to Dr. C.C. Felker at ccfelker@msn.com with the subject line “2024 SAR Annual Conference Proposal.” Notification of acceptance will be given by October 1, 2023.

Publication of accepted papers, following revisions, in an edited volume with a major university press is anticipated after the conference. To ensure the process moves expeditiously, authors are required to submit their full-length articles of approximately 8,000 words two months prior to the conference itself. The SAR will be pleased to cover presenters’ travel and lodging expenses, as well as provide a $500 honorarium.