|
|
FDU PRESS
 |
| Scholarly Review |
 | Native American Power in the United States, 1783-1795
ISBN# 0838639585
Reviewed by: Greg Gagnon
American Indian Quarterly, Vol. 29, Nos. 1 & 2 |
|  | |
Students will benefit from having an available synthesis of this critical period in the history of North America. Barnes emphasizes several realities that students need for understanding this pivotal era. Indian politics were not unified in their efforts to defend their autonomy. The United states had little control over its states, and, indeed, was in danger of collapsing during the period. Spain and Great Britain formulated their policies toward the United States and Indian tribes in the larger context of their natural interests in Europe as well as in America. American frontiersmen were as little under the control of the government as were the Indians of several tribes under the various leaders. Above all, Indians were aware of their power, vis-a-vis Spain, Great Britain, and the United States. Each was also aware of their need to appease, court, and work within Indian power. Barnes also emphasizes the role played by cultural paradigms that guided the actions of the players in the contest for territory, power, and autonomy. Her assessment of the Creek leader, Alexander McGillivray, is an excellent example of this power broker.
I plan to recommend this work to my American Indian history students. It provides a solid framework for understanding the place of Indian nations in the history of North America. It should be standard reading in American history courses addressing the creation of the United States.
|
|
|
