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UoG collaborates with US historical research organisation to host Winter Symposium 2025

University of Gloucestershire is helping to bring historians together for a showpiece conference coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Dr Christian O’Connell, Course Leader in History and Senior Lecturer in American History, has collaborated with the Historians of the Twentieth Century of the United States (HOTCUS) to host the HOTCUS Winter Symposium at the University’s Francis Close Hall Campus.

The focus of the Winter Symposium, which takes place on 21 February, relates to Dr O’Connell’s extensive work and research examining the experiences of African American Ground Infantry (GIs) in Europe during the Second World War (1939-1945).

Christian O'Connell

The conference will consider the short and long-term significance of the conflict for different groups of Americans both in and out of the military, promote discussions around events and the lasting legacies of the war, and provide opportunities for reflection on the effects of the conflict that led to profound social, economic and foreign policy shifts in the United States.

Dr O’Connell (pictured), from the University’s School of Education and Science, said: “’I am delighted that we are hosting this event at our Francis Close Hall Campus this year. I have been a member of HOTCUS for many years, and it is really pleasing to be able to organise the symposium at my home institution.

“In addition, this year’s theme on the legacies of the Second World War for the United States aligns with my own research on the experiences of African Americans GIs in Europe. I am really looking forward to welcoming scholars and researchers to the University.”

The keynote speaker for the event is Professor Thomas Guglielmo (George Washington University) with a talk entitled ‘Divisions and Quotients: The Aftermaths of US Military Racism during World War II and Beyond.’

A spokesperson for HOTCUS, which draws its membership from universities in the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, the United States and other countries around the world, said: “Our Winter Symposium is an annual event, focused on a particular theme within modern American History.

“We are delighted that 2025 Winter Symposium, on the 80th anniversary of the end of Second World War II, is taking place at University of Gloucestershire, with a fantastic array of speakers including Thomas Guglielmo, Stephen Tuck and Susan Carruthers.

“Given the significance of this anniversary, and its implications for US history, we are grateful to Dr Christian O’Connell and the wider University of Gloucestershire for bringing so many great scholars together.”

Registration for the Winter Symposium is open until 12 February.