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Rowan Thompson

@rowan-thompson.bsky.social
304 followers 373 following 19 posts

Historian of modern Britain. Former IHR Pearsall Fellow in Naval and Maritime History. Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain out now: uolpress.co.uk/book/organised-milit…

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Reposted by Rowan Thompson
International Society for First World War Studies @fwwsoc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We are excited to announce that the call for papers for our 15th Conference is now live! It will take place on 29 Sep-1 Oct 2027 at the University of Kyoto, Japan. The theme is 'Observation'. The deadline for paper and panel proposals is 1 May. firstworldwarstudies.org/kyoto-2027/
The World Watches the European Conflagration, Itō Chūta, 13 September 1914
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Professor Claire Jowitt @clairejowitt.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Delighted that this is finally public! So pleased to be working with @erikagaffney.bsky.social again & @dgb-mem.bsky.social ... Calling all Salts - do send us proposals for monographs & edited collections ⚓️⚓️⚓️
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Modern British History Journal @mbhjournal.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This year's Duncan Tanner Prize is now open! If you're a PGR/ECR working on an article on modern British history do consider entering! Deadline Sept 1st. #skystorians 🗃️ academic.oup.com/tcbh/pages/e...
academic.oup.com
The Duncan Tanner Prize
The Duncan Tanner Prize recognizes outstanding scholarship amongst postgraduate research students in Britain and abroad. Entrants submit an article manuscript.
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Short blog post on the commemoration of the First World War at sea to accompany my recent article for @hisjournalha.bsky.social
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 29/05/2026
We are stronger, and better historians, together. Historical societies abound in the UK, and we've listed 150 with BlueSky accounts in this updated Starter Pack. go.bsky.app/AZaYQDd Other societies appear on a new listing of subject societies on the RHS website bit.ly/4ebwP9r #Skystorians
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Someone has to!
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Very much both of those things. Sure it will feel odd at some point to not be constantly thinking about the Navy/Air Leagues, but at the moment relieved I don’t have to.
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
So pleased you have a copy! Hope you enjoy the final version and thanks again for all your help with it. Very much appreciated!
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University of London Press @uolpress.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Insights into our recent #NewHistoricalPerspectives title, Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain by @rowan-thompson.bsky.social on the @royalhistsoc.org blog, Historical Transactions: blog.royalhistsoc.org/2026/04/16/o... #OpenAccess #ECR #Skystorians #MilitaryHistory
blog.royalhistsoc.org
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Yes, I’m very encouraged to see someone other than close family members has already ordered a copy! Agreed, really pleased that it’s both open access and available in paperback for anyone who wants a physical version. And looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks again for getting a copy.
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Thanks so much for ordering a copy, James. It is very much appreciated! Hope you enjoy.
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Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
📢 Applications are now LIVE for the IHR Fellowship! Join our vibrant community of scholars. 🏛️✨ 🗓️ Deadline: 30th June 2026 🔗 Apply here: www.history.ac.uk/fellowships-...
history.ac.uk
IHR Fellowship
The IHR Fellowship is comprised of leading historians recognised for their research and the promotion of history.
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International Society for First World War Studies @fwwsoc.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
New bibliography entry: The First World War at Sea: Death, Commemoration and Cultural Remembrance ift.tt/4jaHNVi #FWWstudies
ift.tt
Zotero | Your personal research assistant
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uopmaritime @uopmaritime.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
CALL FOR PAPERS: Maritime histories from the margins, 1500-present, 11-12 November 2026. Share your proposals for an interdisciplinary conference co-convened by the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures, University of Portsmouth, and the Royal Museums Greenwich www.rmg.co.uk/call-papers-...
rmg.co.uk
Call for Papers | Maritime Histories from the Margins: People, Places, and Practices, 1500–Present
An interdisciplinary conference co-convened by Royal Museums Greenwich and the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures, University of Portsmouth
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University of London Press @uolpress.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
We're so glad it has arrived! @rowan-thompson.bsky.social 🥳 'Rowan Thompson’s richly researched book calls for a major revision of standard understanding of interwar British history.' All books in the series are #OpenAccess and available here: uolpress.co.uk/book-series/... #History #Military
uolpress.co.uk
New Historical Perspectives Archives - University of London Press
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 28/04/2026
'Protecting what matters': a new government policy paper identifies history as central to social cohesion. At the same time, history teaching and research, in our schools and universities, is at risk as never before. To ensure cohesion, we must protect what matters: bit.ly/3QyZQCO #skystorians
bit.ly
'Protecting what matters': a statement from the Royal Historical Society, Institute of Historical Research, History UK and Historical Association - RHS
The following is a joint statement from the Historical Association, History UK, Institute of Historical Research, and the Royal Historical Society following the most recent meeting of this quartet of ...
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History: The Journal of the Historical Association @hisjournalha.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
#Skystorians #History Great new article klaxon! Rowan Thompson's 'The First World War at Sea: Death, Commemoration, and Cultural Remembrance', OA, doi.org/10.1111/1468...
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The Society for the History of War @sochistorywar.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
📢 CfP: Society for the History of War Conference 2026 📍 University of Limerick 🗓 26–27 Nov 2026 Papers & panels invited on all aspects of war & violence incl. gender, memory, civil wars, cultures of conflict, and lived experience. 🗓 Deadline: 3 July 2026 📩 SHOWconferences@gmail.com
CALL FOR PAPERS
***The deadline for paper and panel submissions is 3rd July 2026***
The Society for the History of War invites proposals for its Annual Conference:
The Conference is organised in collaboration with the University of Limerick and will be
held at the University of Limerick, Ireland, on 26-27 November 2026.
****
Keynote speaker:
Prof. Robert Gerwarth, University College Dublin, ‘Europe's Age of Civil Wars, 1917-
1949’

Proposals, either individual paper or panel proposals are welcome on any topic
addressing the history of war. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
Society for the History of War
• Government policies, domestic politics, and the conduct of war
• Warfare, irregular warfare, counterinsurgency, peacekeeping
• Globalising histories of war
• Empires, imperialism, war and violence
• Civil-military relations
• Militarism, military identities
• War, violence, emotions and senses
• Experiences of war and violence; war and the everyday
• Gender and war
• Media and the military
• Memory and commemoration
• Military cultures, military institutions, military landscapes
• Cultures of war and violence
• Representations of war and violence
• Civil wars
We would welcome early innovative and/or interdisciplinary methodological approaches
that highlight the range and complexity of challenges faced when studying violence and
war, as well as contributions by scholars who, although interested in the past, would not
call themselves historians.

SUBMISSION PROCESS
We welcome proposals for individual papers or for themed panels. Postgraduate
students are encouraged to participate in panels or to submit their own panel proposals
or individual papers. The conference is intended to offer a constructive environment in
which to present work in progress to a specialist audience.
Panels will last for 90 minutes each and should have three to four speakers, and a chair.
Each paper should be no longer than 15 minutes to leave sufficient time for discussion.
Individual paper proposals must include a paper title, a 300-word abstract of the paper,
and a one-page CV with current contact information / email address combined into a
single file. If accepted, individual papers will be assigned by the program committee to
Society for the History of War
an appropriate three to four person panel and assigned a chair. Speaking time per paper
will be 15 minutes.
Panel proposals must include a panel title and 300-word abstract summarizing the
theme of the panel; a paper title and a 300-word abstract for each proposed paper
proposed; and a one-page CV for each panellist, combined into a single file. Do note that
every panel must be chaired.
The deadline for proposals is 3rd July 2026. Please send all the relevant paperwork to
SHOWconferences@gmail.com making it clear that you are responding to this particular
CfP. The conference organisers will make a decision on the final programme by 31st
August 2026 at the latest.
We ask those organising panels to take diversity and gender balance seriously when
proposing their composition.
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Matt Houlbrook @tricksterprince.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
#20s30s
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Meredith Carroll @historicalmeredith.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
I'm very excited to announce the launch of our new book series Radical Histories. We can't wait to hear about any relevant projects. Get it in touch! Find out more: manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/blog/2026/04... #RadicalHistory #History
manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk
NEW SERIES: Radical Histories - Manchester University Press
“Manchester University Press launches Radical Histories, a new series exploring global movements, resistance, and the voices that challenged authority.”
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Paula Kennedy @paulakennedy.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Just published! Another new title in our ‘New Historical Perspectives’ series with @royalhistsoc.org and @ihr.bsky.social 🎉 ‘Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain’ by @rowan-thompson.bsky.social Read it or download it for free (or buy the print editions) at the link below 👇 #Skystorians #OA
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Chris Kempshall @chriskempshall.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
For PhD/ECR members of @fwwsoc.bsky.social - the Society has a call for papers out for 'New Voices in First World War Studies' - a virtual conference planned for June. It's a great opportunity for members to showcase their amazing new research. See here for more: drive.google.com/file/d/12DLx... 🗃️
drive.google.com
Call for papers - New Voices in FWWS.pdf
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Thanks, Matt!
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 16/04/2026
To accompany his new book, Rowan also writes today for the RHS blog on the impact of the Navy and Air Leagues in maintaining militarism in Britain after 1918: bit.ly/3OJ53as The NHP series is supported by @ihr.bsky.social and @echistsoc.bsky.social. All 26 books are available OA bit.ly/4sBmIyC
Front page of RHS Blog post, 16 April 2026. Full text: In this post, Rowan Thompson introduces his new book — ‘Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire’ — which is published in April 2026 in the Society’s ‘New Historical Perspectives’ series with University of London Press. ‘Organised Militarism’ demonstrates that martial and militaristic sentiment remained an important part of mainstream British political culture, despite the ravages of the First World War. Rowan’s monograph examines the aims and activities of the Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire – two extra-parliamentary organisations established to promote naval and aerial supremacy. In doing so, it shows how martial and militaristic sentiment remained prominent, despite the ravages of war. ‘Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain’ is the 26th title in the Society’s New Historical Perspectives series for early career historians. Rowan’s book, and all other titles in the series are published free, Open Access, and in paperback print.
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Really pleased that this is now out (available both in print and Open Access)!
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University of London Press @uolpress.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
The first full-length study of militarism and militaristic associational culture in interwar Britain publishes on Thursday. As part of our #NewHistoricalPerspectives series published with @ihr.bsky.social and @royalhistsoc.org, it's also #OpenAccess! uolpress.co.uk/book/organis...
uolpress.co.uk
Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain - University of London Press
While militaristic and patriotic organisations formed an important part of Edwardian political culture, 1918 often marks a terminus for histories of organised militarism in Britain. Taking the end of ...
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 13/04/2026
Thursday is also publication day of 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson: bit.ly/474AbHq Next in the RHS 'New Historical Perspectives' book series. Published free OA & in p/back @uolpress.bsky.social #Skystorians 1/2
Front cover of 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson.
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Social History Society @socialhistsoc.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
📣New SHS PGR Work-in-Progress sessions launched by our PGR reps @louisebell.bsky.social & @aayushigupta.bsky.social! Informal, supportive space to share research & test ideas. Open to all history PGRs & ECRs working in and around social history. More info here! socialhistory.org.uk/2026/04/09/s...
socialhistory.org.uk
Social History Society Postgraduate Work-in-Progress Sessions
Our wonderful PGR Reps, Aayushi Gupta and Louise Bell, are launching a new series of Work-in-Progress sessions – informal, supportive online spaces for postgraduates to share their research and rec…
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Completed thanks to a History Early-Career Research Bursary and a Society for Nautical Research Anderson Fund Grant. Hopefully of some interest to @fwwsoc.bsky.social
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Pleased that my latest article, 'The First World War at Sea: Death, Commemoration and Cultural Remembrance', is now out (open access) in History: The Journal of the Historical Association (@hisjournalha.bsky.social): onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
The First World War at Sea: Death, Commemoration and Cultural Remembrance
Despite the ever-increasing body of work devoted to war memorials, national days of remembrance and the commemoration of the First World War in Britain, academic focus remains firmly on the commemora...
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Boydell & Brewer @boydellandbrewer.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Destroyers, Naval Culture and British Identity by Jayne Friend is an overview of what destroyers were and how their capacity for heroic deeds captured the popular imagination.📖 Out now in hardback and eBook formats. Learn more 👉 buff.ly/FFyCinK
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International Society for First World War Studies @fwwsoc.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
As a part of its mission to support the “study of the First World War”, and “to give young researchers the opportunity to present and discuss their work”, we invite applications for our second annual Undergraduate Essay Prize. More information at the link below! www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wm2sy...
dropbox.com
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 31/03/2026
Next week: the latest in the Society's 'New Historical Perspectives' book series is 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson: bit.ly/474AbHq Published free OA & in p/back @uolpress.bsky.social on 9 April #Skystorians 1/2
Front cover of 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson.
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University of London Press @uolpress.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
The next book we're publishing is Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain by @rowan-thompson.bsky.social. Part of our #NewHistoricalPerspectives series, this #OpenAccess book 'calls for a major revision of standard understanding of interwar British history.' uolpress.co.uk/book/organis...
uolpress.co.uk
Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain - University of London Press
While militaristic and patriotic organisations formed an important part of Edwardian political culture, 1918 often marks a terminus for histories of organised militarism in Britain. Taking the end of ...
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 25/03/2026
We are pleased to launch today a new funding programme for Fellows & Associate Fellows of the Society resident outside the UK & Ireland bit.ly/3PtDQZu Grants support research in UK / Irish archives for our international historians. Deadline 8 May to enable research from summer 2026 #Skystorians 1/2
bit.ly
Society launches new funding programme for International Fellows and Associate Fellows - RHS
The Royal Historical Society is pleased to launch a new programme, from today, to support the work of International Fellows and Associate Fellows. Recipients will be members of the Society, resident o...
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
This looks really interesting, thank you!
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Thanks! They all feature (minus Smith) as do the above themes/debates
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Hmm, give yourself plenty of time (took me a lot longer than I thought/hoped it would).
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Thanks, and Godspeed!
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Me too!
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University Press of Kansas @univpressofkansas.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
The launch event chaired by @dmorganowen.bsky.social hosted at St. Andrews University, will feature presentations from contributors and @draefox.bsky.social for the book Framing the First World War: How Divergent Views Shaped a Global Conflict. #firstworldwar #WWI #militaryhistory #upkansas
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Thanks, Andre - very kind of you to say. Scary to think of how long it has been!
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Thanks, Brett. And thank you again for your help getting it to this stage!
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Royal Historical Society @royalhistsoc.org · 03/03/2026
Coming soon: the next in the Society's 'New Historical Perspectives' book series is 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson: bit.ly/474AbHq Published free OA & in p/back @uolpress.bsky.social on 9 April #Skystorians 1/2
Front cover of 'Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain. The Navy League and the Air League of the British Empire', by Rowan Thompson.
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Thank you, hope you enjoy!
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University of London Press @uolpress.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
👀 Looking ahead at some of the brilliant books we have coming up this year... Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain by @rowan-thompson.bsky.social, part of our New Historical Perspectives series published with @ihr.bsky.social: uolpress.co.uk/book/organis... #Skystorians #History #OpenAccess
uolpress.co.uk
Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain - University of London Press
While militaristic and patriotic organisations formed an important part of Edwardian political culture, 1918 often marks a terminus for histories of organised militarism in Britain. Taking the end of ...
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Rowan Thompson @rowan-thompson.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Now that only the final proofs/indexing remains, it is probably a good time to mention that my first book, Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain, is coming out in April (open access) with @uolpress.bsky.social as part of the @ihr.bsky.social / @royalhistsoc.org New Historical Perspectives series.
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Northern History @northernhistory.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Gordon Forster Essay Prize 2026 Deadline: 1 May 2026 Open to postgraduate students and ECRs, the winner receives £200 and their essay will be considered for publication. Essays should fit within the journal’s aims & scope, and be between 7000-10000 words (inc. footnotes). Please repost.
tandfonline.com
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Military Welfare History Network @milwelfhist.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
2026 MWHN Conference - call for papers! Join us in Romania next June to discuss all things military welfare and civil society. Deadline: 28 Feb 2026. CfP attached and full details at militarywelfarehistory.com/2026-confere... #milwelfhist #civilsociety #charity #philanthropy @vahs.bsky.social
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