Rate Professor Michael McDonnell

Professional Summary: Professor Michael McDonnell

Professor Michael McDonnell is a distinguished historian and academic at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a focus on early American history and the Atlantic world. His scholarship has significantly contributed to the understanding of revolutionary and colonial histories, earning him recognition as a leading figure in his field.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor McDonnell holds advanced degrees in history, reflecting his deep commitment to academic rigor:

• Ph.D. in History, University of Oxford
• M.A. in History, Johns Hopkins University
• B.A. (Hons) in History, University of Ottawa

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor McDonnell specializes in the history of the American Revolution, early American social and political history, and the broader Atlantic world. His research often explores themes of class, labor, and Indigenous perspectives in colonial contexts, offering nuanced interpretations of revolutionary dynamics.

Career History and Appointments

Professor McDonnell has held several prestigious academic positions, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of excellence:

• Professor of History, University of Sydney (current)
• Associate Professor of History, University of Sydney (prior to current role)
• Lecturer in History, University of Wales, Swansea (earlier career)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor McDonnell’s contributions to historical scholarship have been widely recognized through numerous accolades:

• Winner, New South Wales Premier’s History Award (2014) for Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America
• Fellow, Australian Academy of the Humanities
• Recipient of multiple research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC)

Key Publications

Professor McDonnell has authored and edited several influential works that have shaped the study of early American history:

• Books:
  • Masters of Empire: Great Lakes Indians and the Making of America (2015)
  • The Politics of War: Race, Class, and Conflict in Revolutionary Virginia (2007)
• Edited Volumes:
  • Remembering the Revolution: Memory, History, and Nation Making from Independence to the Civil War (co-edited, 2013)
• Selected Articles and Chapters:
  • Multiple peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as the William and Mary Quarterly and Journal of American History

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor McDonnell’s work has had a profound impact on the historiography of the American Revolution, particularly through his emphasis on marginalized voices, including those of Indigenous peoples and lower-class communities. His book Masters of Empire has been praised for reorienting narratives of empire and agency in early America, influencing both teaching and research in the field. His scholarship bridges Australian and North American historical contexts, fostering transatlantic dialogue.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor McDonnell is actively engaged in the broader academic community through public-facing and leadership roles:

• Regular presenter at international conferences on early American history
• Contributor to public history initiatives, including lectures and media commentary on revolutionary history
• Member of editorial boards for prominent historical journals
• Active participant in academic committees at the University of Sydney, supporting curriculum development and research initiatives