Department of History

Comparing Silicon Valley and Seattle has become something of a regional pastime in the Pacific Northwest. But the comparison might be more accurate if directed a few miles east, across the shores of Lake Washington to where Bellevue skyrises are multiplying. Because historically speaking, the rise of the Eastside closely mirrors the trajectory of Silicon Valley’s San Jose. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Professor Anand Yang grew up on Bollywood films. Now he uses this popular entertainment to teach colonial Indian history. 

Glennys Young, professor of history, explains Putin's goal in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the lengths he will go to achieve it.

Margaret O'Mara, professor of history, explains the historic echos of unionization at the Amazon Fresh store.

Thanks to a UW internship, students are contributing content about Black leaders in the sciences on BlackPast.org. 

Margaret O'Mara, professor of history, explains the importance of Microsoft's new
acquistiton of Activision Blizzard.

Margaret O'Mara, professor of history, explains her surprise
with the guilty verdict in the Holmes case and her biggest takeaways from
the verdict.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month this September 15 through October 15 by exploring work by College of Arts & Sciences faculty, students and alumni.

As tech companies continue to delay return to offices, some service workers hope for a full return in the coming months. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Amazon is making another move into physical retail, this time with plans to open department store-like locations in Ohio and California that would sell items such as clothing and electronics, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Amazon announced Thursday it intends to delay reopening its offices until Jan. 3, a move that raises fresh questions about the pace of recovery in Seattle and Bellevue where well-paid workers from Amazon and other tech firms are critical economic drivers. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

This week, attend gallery exhibitions and the latest Grit City Think and Drink, watch recorded events, and more.

This week at the UW, attend gallery exhibitions, watch recorded events, and more.

Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, talks about the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington lawmakers and the role of social media platforms in the spread of COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation.

University of Washington Provost Mark A. Richards today announced Dianne Harris will become dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, beginning Sept. 1.