Major Problems In American Indian History

This text presents a carefully selected group of readings, on topics such as European encounters and contemporary Native American activism that allow students to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw their own conclusions. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

North American Indians have traditionally held conceptions of history, time and the universe that are vastly different from those of European civilizations. How, then, can Western historians begin to write accurately and without bias about societies who shunned "history" and who performed in our Western vision and errand of history only through coercion? Here, eighteen prominent authors wrestle with the phenomenon that in writing about Indian-white relations they are perforce trying to mesh two fundamentally different world-views. In pieces written expressly for this volume, the contributors--who include a cross-section of historians, anthropologists, professional writers, and native Americans--cover such diverse topics as cultural pluralism and ethnocentrism, native American dancing and ritual, the experiences of native American women, and attitudes toward the environment. In considering the deep and chronic issues of Indian-white relations, these controversial essays look anew at Indian cultural ideals and restore them to their proper place in American history.

Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY series introduces readers to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY presents major themes and controversial issues from native American times to the present, drawn from compelling, readable sources that draw readers into the process of developing their own perspectives on American environmental history. This text presents a carefully selected group of readings organized to allow readers to evaluate primary sources, test the interpretations of distinguished historians, and draw their own conclusions. Each chapter includes introductions, source notes, and suggested readings.

A Companion to American Indian History captures the thematic breadth of Native American history over the last forty years. Twenty-five original essays by leading scholars in the field, both American Indian and non-American Indian, bring an exciting modern perspective to Native American histories that were at one time related exclusively by Euro-American settlers. Contains 25 original essays by leading experts in Native American history. Covers the breadth of American Indian history, including contacts with settlers, religion, family, economy, law, education, gender issues, and culture. Surveys and evaluates the best scholarship on every important era and topic. Summarizes current debates and anticipates future concerns.

Insights into how history continues to influence contemporary Native life.

This unique collection of essays and documents brings to life the major topics in American western and frontier history from the sixteenth to the twentieth century.