An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY)

by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

historyamericasnative americanunited statespolitics & social sciencessocial sciencesethnic studies

Summary

In "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States," Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz challenges the traditional narrative of U.S. history by presenting it from the perspective of Indigenous peoples. She meticulously uncovers the legacy of settler colonialism, genocide, and the dispossession of Native Americans, which have been largely omitted or misrepresented in mainstream historical accounts. Dunbar-Ortiz addresses the foundational myths of the United States, such as the Puritan covenant with God, manifest destiny, and the Doctrine of Discovery, revealing how these ideologies were used to justify the seizure of Indigenous territories.

The book spans from pre-colonial times to the present, detailing the sophisticated civilizations that thrived in North America before European contact, including their agricultural practices, governance systems, and complex trade networks. Dunbar-Ortiz elucidates how European colonizers, driven by a culture of conquest and the ideology of white supremacy, systematically destroyed Indigenous societies through violence, land theft, and the introduction of diseases. The narrative exposes the deliberate policies of genocide enacted by U.S. administrations across different historical periods, including the Jacksonian era of forced removal, the California gold rush, and the termination period of the 1950s.

Dunbar-Ortiz highlights the continuous resistance of Indigenous peoples, who fought to maintain their cultures, lands, and sovereignty in the face of relentless colonial pressure. She emphasizes that Indigenous survival is a testament to their resilience and ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. The book also explores how the U.S. military, from its origins in colonial militias to its modern form, has been shaped by the Indian Wars and the strategies of counterinsurgency developed during that time. The author connects these historical patterns to contemporary U.S. foreign policy, arguing that the same colonial mindset and tactics used against Native Americans have been applied in overseas interventions.

Furthermore, "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" examines the impact of land policies, such as the General Allotment Act, on Indigenous land ownership, as well as the role of corporations in exploiting Native resources. Dunbar-Ortiz also addresses the challenges faced by Indigenous communities today, including poverty, social dysfunction, and the ongoing struggle for treaty rights and cultural preservation. By providing an alternative historical lens, the book encourages a critical reevaluation of U.S. history and a deeper understanding of the ongoing responsibility to address the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.

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