Why Researchers Choose The American Historical Review for High-Impact Publications
The American Historical Review is the flagship journal of the American Historical Association, renowned for its rigorous scholarship and influence in the field of history. Established in 1895, it has long served as a vital platform for groundbreaking research that shapes historical discourse worldwide. Historians value The American Historical Review for its commitment to excellence, publishing articles that span diverse periods, regions, and methodologies. With a focus on original interpretations and comprehensive reviews, the journal attracts submissions from leading academics eager to contribute to the evolving narrative of human history.
Publishing in The American Historical Review offers significant advantages, including visibility among peers and enhanced career prospects. The journal's selective process ensures that accepted works receive widespread citation and discussion, bolstering an author's reputation. Its interdisciplinary appeal draws readers from related fields like political science and cultural studies, amplifying the reach of your research. For early-career researchers, a publication here signals expertise and opens doors to tenure-track positions and grants. The American Historical Review impact factor reflects its enduring quality, making it a top choice for those aiming to influence historical scholarship.
Scholars appreciate the journal's balanced approach to global and American history, fostering inclusive dialogues on topics from ancient civilizations to contemporary events. The editorial team prioritizes innovative arguments supported by robust evidence, encouraging submissions that challenge conventional views. Beyond articles, the journal features book reviews and essays that provide critical insights into new publications, enriching the academic community. As you consider where to submit your next paper, The American Historical Review submission guidelines emphasize clarity and originality, rewarding meticulous historical analysis.
To explore opportunities in academia, check out history faculty positions or academic calendar for key deadlines.
Overview & History
The American Historical Review was founded in 1895 by the American Historical Association to promote the study of history in all its branches. Over the decades, it has evolved into a quarterly publication that covers a broad spectrum of historical inquiry. Published by Oxford University Press since 1965, the journal maintains its mission to disseminate high-quality research while adapting to new scholarly trends. Its archives hold over a century of influential articles, making it an indispensable resource for historians worldwide.
The journal's history reflects the growth of the historical profession, from its early focus on American and European history to a more global perspective today. Key milestones include the introduction of thematic issues and digital enhancements that improve accessibility. The American Historical Review continues to set standards for peer-reviewed historical writing, with each issue featuring peerless scholarship that advances the discipline.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The American Historical Review encompasses all aspects of history, emphasizing innovative and theoretically informed studies. It welcomes submissions on political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual history across all time periods and geographies.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| American History | Covers U.S. and Canadian historical developments, including colonial eras to modern times. |
| World History | Explores global interactions, empires, and transnational phenomena. |
| European History | Focuses on continental Europe from antiquity through the present. |
| Asian History | Includes East, South, and Southeast Asian histories and their global connections. |
| Latin American History | Addresses colonial, independence, and contemporary issues in the Americas. |
| African History | Examines pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial narratives. |
This broad scope ensures The American Historical Review serves as a hub for interdisciplinary historical research.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 0.917 | 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 1.234 | 2022 |
| CiteScore | 1.8 | 2023 |
| SJR | 0.456 | 2022 |
| H-Index | 102 | 2023 |
These metrics highlight The American Historical Review's solid standing in historical studies, with steady citation rates.
Indexing and Abstracting
The American Historical Review is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), and Historical Abstracts. Additional coverage includes JSTOR for archival access and ProQuest for full-text searching. These indexings facilitate global reach, with articles often cited in multidisciplinary works. For more on academic resources, visit Rate My Professor.
Publication Model and Fees
The American Historical Review operates on a hybrid model, offering subscription access with open access options. Standard articles are behind a paywall, but authors can choose gold open access via Oxford Open, incurring an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $4,104. No fees apply for non-open access submissions. The journal supports green open access through self-archiving after 24 months. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing broad readership without compromising quality.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions to The American Historical Review are handled through the ScholarOne platform at ScholarOne. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 10,000 words, with Chicago-style citations. Anonymized reviews ensure fairness, with decisions typically within 3-6 months. Guidelines stress original research and adherence to ethical standards. For career advice, explore tenure-track positions.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board of The American Historical Review comprises distinguished historians from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Michael Bess from Vanderbilt University leads a team with expertise in global history. Notable members include specialists in African and Latin American history from Harvard and UCLA. Their diverse backgrounds ensure comprehensive peer review, upholding the journal's reputation for excellence.
Why Publish in The American Historical Review?
Publishing in The American Historical Review elevates your profile, offering prestige and networking opportunities within the American Historical Association. Its rigorous process hones your work, leading to influential citations. For historians, this journal is a career milestone, enhancing grant applications and invitations to conferences. The American Historical Review submission process rewards depth and innovation, making it ideal for impactful research.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor (2022) | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The American Historical Review | 0.917 | Oxford University Press | Broad historical scholarship |
| Journal of American History | 0.456 | Oxford University Press | U.S. history emphasis |
| Past & Present | 0.789 | Oxford University Press | Social and cultural history |
| American Quarterly | 0.623 | Johns Hopkins University Press | American studies interdisciplinary |
| History Workshop Journal | 0.345 | Oxford University Press | People's history and theory |
This comparison underscores The American Historical Review's leadership in comprehensive historical coverage.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Ensure your argument is novel and evidence-based to align with journal standards.
- Follow Chicago Manual of Style strictly for citations.
- Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting via conference deadlines.
- Highlight interdisciplinary angles to broaden appeal.
- Prepare for revisions by reviewing past issues on the official site.
- Track your submission status regularly on ScholarOne.
For job seekers, review lecturer positions and Rate My Professor for history departments. Additional links: postdoc opportunities, grant deadlines, assistant professor history, semester schedules, visiting professor roles, top history professors.
