Athwart the Trend: Maritime History’s position in a sea of Atlantic World Prospects

Abstract

The study of maritime history, like the study of Atlantic World history, is relatively new to the academy. Yet, while maritime history exhibits static growth patterns, Atlantic World history increases in prominence and popularity. Daniel Vickers attributes Atlantic World history’s recognition to the fact that it has a clear theoretical framework, while maritime history remains ill-defined. This article attempts to define both disciplines, discuss their differences and similarities, and argue that maritime historians have a lot to learn from practitioners of Atlantic World history.