Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: An Analysis of the Consequences of 20th Century American Imperialism and Nuclear Testing Upon the Marshall Islands and its Inhabitants
This thesis could not have been accomplished without the support of my family, friends, and peers who have cheered me on the entire way throughout my tenure as a master’s student at Claremont Graduate University (CGU). I would especially like to thank my mother who has had the patience of a saint throughout this journey. At my lowest moments, she reminded me of my strengths as a scholar and encouraged me to keep going, even when I thought this thesis would fall apart. I love you very much, thank you for always being my cheerleader. This project has undergone several evolutions to reach this finished stage. None of this could have been possible without the help of my primary reader Professor Janet Farrell Brodie (CGU) who has been extremely understanding and compassionate over the years as I figured out the direction of this thesis. Her excitement and love for history has especially helped motivate me to hustle in 2020 despite the pandemic. Thank you so, so much! I would also like to thank my second reader Professor JoAnna Poblete (CGU) who gave me the opportunity in August 2018 to present an early iteration of my thesis at the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association’s 11th Annual Meeting at Santa Clara University, Santa Clara CA. Professor Poblete organized the “Current Perspectives on Pacific Histories” roundtable and allowed me to be a part of this panel. Though this project has slightly changed since then, the panel was the first time I had ever participated in a professional academic conference. Hearing from fellow scholars studying the Pacific inspired me from the very beginning. I was deeply honored by the opportunity, and I will never forget it! Finally, this thesis stands on the shoulders of those individuals who have conducted research on the Marshall Islands previously. Their oral interviews provide the heart to this thesis. Ultimately, this project seeks to amplify the voices of the Marshallese and their activist efforts.
Climate Change, Colonialism, Environmental Justice, Imperialism, Marshall Islands, Nuclear Testing, History
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