“The American Revolution in a Global Context”
Written By: Maya Koka
CRDIP Member Maya Koka and her research supervisor, Dr. Stefan Kosovoych
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to serve at Independence National Historical Park (INHP) through the Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP). As a historical researcher, I worked on a project titled, “The American Revolution in a Global Context, (c. 1775-1825). My time at INHP not only deepened my understanding of the Revolution but also challenged my perspective on its place in world history.
The American Revolution is often portrayed as a singular, self-contained event, rooted in the idea of “American exceptionalism.” However, as I discovered, this narrative is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. My research focused on analyzing how twenty-first-century historians have shifted away from patriotic and isolationist accounts, instead emphasizing the American Revolution’s transnational dimensions. This shift recognizes that the American War of Independence was not an isolated anomaly but rather a part of a broader, interconnected series of global events during the Age of Atlantic Revolutions.
Throughout my term, I explored various historiographical approaches to understanding the global impact of the American Revolution. My research highlighted several key areas: the Franco-Spanish “global strategy” aimed at restoring the European balance of power, the adoption of Enlightenment ideals by elite women, the experiences of Black cosmopolitans in the Atlantic world, and the cross-cultural diplomacy of Native American nations in the Gulf Coast. These perspectives illustrate how the Revolution was shaped by and, in turn, influenced events far beyond the borders of the thirteen colonies.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my project was shifting the focus from
state actors and geopolitical forces to the role of the individual. I examined how global
exchanges, motivations, and experiences of diverse persons across British North America,
France, Saint-Domingue, and Spanish America contributed to the broader revolutionary
movement. This approach underscores the importance of human agency in driving historical
change, challenging the traditional assumption that the American War of Independence was
solely the product of the United States’ efforts.
Working on this project allowed me to engage with complex ideas and histories, thereby broadening my understanding of the Revolution. It also pushed me to think critically about how we, as historians, frame and interpret the past. The experience was both intellectually challenging and deeply enriching, in so far as it provided me with new insights into the interconnectedness of our world.
As I reflect on my time at INHP, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work. This project has not only enhanced my research skills but also reaffirmed my passion for history and its relevance in understanding others. I look forward to continuing to explore these global perspectives in my future academic pursuits.