Dr. Matthew Kruer

Biography

Matthew Kruer is a scholar of Indigeneity and settler colonialism, focusing on early modern North America and the Caribbean. He holds a master's degree in history from the University of Oregon and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Kruer’s book, 'Time Anarchy: Indigenous Power Crisis Colonialism Early America', examines a tumultuous decade between 1675 and 1685, during which ethnic riots and separatist movements swept through New York and Maryland while Virginia colonists rebelled against their government. This work highlights the connections between colonial insurrections and the wars of Indigenous nations across North America. The book showcases how the Susquehannocks, an influential Indigenous nation in present-day Pennsylvania, exerted political influence despite being displaced. 'Time Anarchy' was awarded the 2024 Philip S. Klein Prize by the Pennsylvania Historical Association. Kruer is also working on projects that explore sovereignty among Indigenous nations within the early modern British Empire and cultural histories of Indigeneity, settler colonialism, and imagined futures on Mars. He serves as the University of Chicago’s liaison to the Newberry Consortium for American Indian Indigenous Studies, facilitating collaboration among universities engaged in Indigenous Studies.

Research Interests

Experience