World History Bulletin is seeking quality research essays, experiential learning case studies from graduate reading and seminar coursework, and GA/TA/lecturer classroom activities for inclusion in its upcoming issue on the Industrial Revolution in World History.
The Industrial Revolution marks a pivotal era of profound global economic, technological, and social change, transforming societies from predominantly agrarian economies into industrial powerhouses. Historians continue to debate several key aspects of this period, including its precise starting point—some argue for the late 18th century, while others suggest earlier or later dates—and the reasons why the revolution began in Great Britain rather than elsewhere. These debates often focus on factors such as natural resources, political stability, colonial markets, and innovative culture. Another central topic of debate is the uneven spread of industrialization: while Britain and, subsequently, parts of Western Europe and North America reaped significant benefits in terms of wealth and power, other regions experienced slower growth and, in many cases, increased exploitation. Questions about who benefited most—industrial capitalists, workers, or entire nations—remain at the heart of historical analysis, highlighting the complex legacy of the Industrial Revolution.
The Bulletin is interested in a range of topics related to the theme of the Industrial Revolution in World History, including (but not limited to):
- Perspectives on the Origins of the Industrial Revolution, which might explore key political, economic, and sociocultural developments (e.g., ethics and morality, evolving legal doctrine, etc.).
- Comparative Case Studies on the Global/Transregional Impacts of the Industrial Revolution, which might contrast the socioeconomic, cultural, and political changes wrought by the First Industrial Revolution (centered on Britain and Western Europe) with those of the Second Industrial Revolution (as it spread and evolved across Eurasia and the Atlantic World from the latter-19th century).
- Empire-Building and the Industrial Revolution, which might explore the linkages between industrialization and the global exploitation of non-industrialized states and territories for natural resources and/or as a result of the competition for markets (e.g., Leopold II and the Congo Free State, the Opium Wars, etc.).
- The “Great Divergence” or “European Miracle,” which might explore the deeper sociocultural underpinnings (e.g., religious moral frameworks, corporate structures, etc.) of the Industrial Revolution which led to the shift in global economic dominance from the Early Modern centers (e.g., Qing China, the Ottoman Empire, etc.) to European (Western) states (including their colonies and territories).
- Historiographic Surveys of Scholarship on the Industrial Revolution and/or the Great Divergence, including the so-called “California School” and its challengers (e.g., Peer Vries).
- Pedagogical Essays on Coursework/Instruction Centered on the Industrial Revolution or the Great Divergence, including unique research projects, role-playing games (short- or long-term), and related exercises/assignments.
The World History Bulletin therefore invites submissions on the topic of the Industrial Revolution in World History. We are especially interested in articles that share fresh research or historiographical perspectives which explore the questions of Industrial Revolution in world-historical perspectives; present innovative teaching at all levels that employs techniques related to sociocultural and economic contexts foundational to, or arising from, industrialization in world history; or explore the connection between student engagement and world history as a result of coursework related to the theme the Industrial Revolution in World History. We also welcome short interviews with designers, artists, writers, and scholars and small roundtables on a book, film, or other work.
Submission Guidelines:
Articles should range between 1,500 and 6,000 words in length, including endnote text. Book reviews should be around 1,000 words in length. The Bulletin accepts submissions that adhere to the style, format, and documentation requirements as outlined in the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style (18th). The Bulletin uses endnote citations, rather than footnote citations. Text of submissions should be spelled according to American English standard usage (e.g., favorite, rather than favourite). Submissions should be written in the past tense, rather than the literary present, and passive voice should be avoided. Submissions should be formatted in 11-point Garamond type font.
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026
Essays and questions should be directed to Joseph M. Snyder, Editor-in-Chief of World History Bulletin, at jmsnyder@semo.edu