Originally published on October 20, 2022 (Episode 288)
Introduction
In 1780, captured American naval officer Joshua Barney escaped from prison in Plymouth and, after a dramatic journey, found himself ushered into the presence of Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor. His story was one of many surprising links between the American Revolution and the Habsburg monarchy.
In The American Revolution and the Habsburg Monarchy (University of Virginia Press, 2022), Jonathan Singerton uncovers the deep and lasting impact of the Revolution on Central Europe. From Vienna’s baptismal fonts to diplomatic salons, the Revolution reverberated through the Habsburg lands in ways often overlooked.
About the Guest
Dr. Jonathan Singerton is Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in Global Political History at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam). The American Revolution and the Habsburg Monarchy is his first book.
For Further Investigation
Die Welt der Habsburger (The World of the Habsburgs) website
Pieter M. Judson, The Habsburg Empire: A New History (Harvard, 2018)
Martyn Rady, The Habsburgs: To Rule the World (Basic Books, 2020)
Previous Related Episodes
Inventing a New World Order: Glenda Sluga on the Congress of Vienna
💬 Listen & Discuss
How different does the American Revolution look when viewed from Vienna instead of Philadelphia? Share your reflections in the comments—and send this episode to a friend who loves the American Revolution…or global history!
