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Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America Paperback – September 12, 2023
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NATIONAL BESTSELLER
New York Times Book Review • 100 Notable Books of 2022
Best Books of 2022 ― New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews
Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence
“I can only wish that, when I was that lonely college junior and was finishing Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, I’d had Hämäläinen’s book at hand.” ―David Treuer, The New Yorker
“[T]he single best book I have ever read on Native American history.” ―Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review
A prize-winning scholar rewrites 400 years of American history from Indigenous perspectives, overturning the dominant origin story of the United States.
There is an old, deeply rooted story about America that goes like this: Columbus “discovers” a strange continent and brings back tales of untold riches. The European empires rush over, eager to stake out as much of this astonishing “New World” as possible. Though Indigenous peoples fight back, they cannot stop the onslaught. White imperialists are destined to rule the continent, and history is an irreversible march toward Indigenous destruction.
Yet as with other long-accepted origin stories, this one, too, turns out to be based in myth and distortion. In Indigenous Continent, acclaimed historian Pekka Hämäläinen presents a sweeping counternarrative that shatters the most basic assumptions about American history. Shifting our perspective away from Jamestown, Plymouth Rock, the Revolution, and other well-trodden episodes on the conventional timeline, he depicts a sovereign world of Native nations whose members, far from helpless victims of colonial violence, dominated the continent for centuries after the first European arrivals. From the Iroquois in the Northeast to the Comanches on the Plains, and from the Pueblos in the Southwest to the Cherokees in the Southeast, Native nations frequently decimated white newcomers in battle. Even as the white population exploded and colonists’ land greed grew more extravagant, Indigenous peoples flourished due to sophisticated diplomacy and leadership structures.
By 1776, various colonial powers claimed nearly all of the continent, but Indigenous peoples still controlled it―as Hämäläinen points out, the maps in modern textbooks that paint much of North America in neat, color-coded blocks confuse outlandish imperial boasts for actual holdings. In fact, Native power peaked in the late nineteenth century, with the Lakota victory in 1876 at Little Big Horn, which was not an American blunder, but an all-too-expected outcome.
Hämäläinen ultimately contends that the very notion of “colonial America” is misleading, and that we should speak instead of an “Indigenous America” that was only slowly and unevenly becoming colonial. The evidence of Indigenous defiance is apparent today in the hundreds of Native nations that still dot the United States and Canada. Necessary reading for anyone who cares about America’s past, present, and future, Indigenous Continent restores Native peoples to their rightful place at the very fulcrum of American history.
42 black-and-white images and 10 maps- Print length592 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLiveright
- Publication dateSeptember 12, 2023
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.4 x 8.3 inches
- ISBN-101324094060
- ISBN-13978-1324094067
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Editorial Reviews
Review
― New York Times Book Review, 100 Notable Books of 2022
"[M]agisterial . . . the pace and the scope of the book have a force of their own: Hämäläinen makes it clear that America’s past is crazily, energetically, tumultuously crowded with incident; that Indigenous power has affected everything about America . . . I can only wish that, when I was that lonely college junior and was finishing Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, I’d had Hämäläinen’s book at hand. It would have helped me see that there was indeed a larger story: that my civilization hadn’t been destroyed; that my tribe’s contribution to the past wasn’t merely to fade away in the face of history; that Native peoples―for better or for worse―made this country what it was, and have a role to play in what it now struggles to be."
― David Treuer, The New Yorker
"[T]he single best book I have ever read on Native American history, as well as one of the most innovative narratives about the continent."
― Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review
"In [Hämäläinen’s] first two books, he explored notable peaks of Native power, as many recent histories do. But now, with Indigenous Continent, he stitches them into a sustained counterpoint to the conquest narrative. Five hundred years of North American history appear in his telling not as the story of colonization, but of a fierce and unsettled continent, bristling with possibility . . . You cannot read Indigenous Continent and retain the belief that Native societies quickly and permanently collapsed. Hämäläinen’s book not only exposes settler boasts of continental conquest as self-serving fictions; it rejects the entire settler sense of what constitutes American history. It is stand-everything-on-its-head history, offering the thrills of a sharp perspectival flip."
― Daniel Immerwahr, Harper’s
"[A] towering achievement. By gathering the experiences of multiple Native peoples―across an astounding expanse of time and space―Indigenous Continent explodes the view that American history unfolded inexorably according to European and American design."
― Andrew Graybill, The American Scholar
"When [John] Donne exclaimed ‘O my America! My new-found-land’ to his latest girlfriend, he was oblivious to the long history of that territory so painstakingly mapped by Pekka Hämäläinen in Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America."
― Paul Muldoon, Times Literary Supplement, “Books of the Year 2022”
"[A] powerful, revelatory history."
― Christian Science Monitor
"Oxford University scholar Hämäläinen (Lakota America) delivers a sweeping and persuasive corrective to the notion that “history itself is a linear process that moves irreversibly toward Indigenous destruction.” Reorienting the history of the Western Hemisphere away from “European ambitions, European perspectives, and European sources,” he focuses instead on the “overwhelming and persistent Indigenous power” that lasted in North America from 10000 BCE until the end of the 19th century. Throughout, Hämäläinen highlights the agency, resilience, diversity, and kinship of Indigenous peoples.... Skillfully shifting across regions and time periods.... Revelations abound.... This top-notch history casts the story of America in an astonishing new light."
― Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A vigorous, provocative study of Native American history by one of its most accomplished practitioners. . . . . In this follow-up to Lakota America, the author focuses on the long war between Indigenous peoples and alliances with the European colonial powers. . . . Throughout, the author resurrects important yet often obscured history, creating a masterful narrative that demands close consideration. An essential work of Indigenous studies that calls for rethinking North American history generally."
― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"In this scrupulously researched survey of the past, a brilliant Finnish scholar presents a compelling picture. He shows that, at least through the 18th century and well into the 1800s, Indigenous peoples flourished by setting the agendas in their efforts to keep their land and resources and establishing the terms for the settlements that followed, even when they didn’t win their battles. This book recognizes that the strengths of Indigenous peoples came from a network of shifting, powerful kinship. . . . This is a book everyone could benefit from reading."
― David Keymer, Library Journal, starred review
"This is sure to be fascinating reading for anyone who grew up hearing that same old foundational myth of America―you know, that one that doesn’t exactly hang together."
― Emily Temple, Literary Hub, “Most Anticipated Books of 2022”
From the Back Cover
New York Times Book Review- 100 Notable Books of 2022
Best Books of 2022 -- New Yorker, Kirkus Reviews
Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence
"Indigenous Continent is a triumph. Pekka Hämäläinen has crafted a grand, sweeping narrative premised on a fundamental truth: American history is Indigenous history. To read this book is to see the past anew."
--Elizabeth Fenn, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Encounters at the Heart of the World: A History of the Mandan People
"In this strikingly original and sweeping account of the epic contest for North America, Pekka Hämäläinen challenges the foundational story of conquest that underpins U.S. history. That storyline, he argues, is based on outlandish imperial claims and unrealized declarations of mastery. In fact, Native peoples resisted everywhere and at every turn, and they continue to do so to this day. Persuasive and compelling, Indigenous Continent is a much-needed correction to centuries of colonial aggrandizing."
--Claudio Saunt, author of the National Book Award finalist Unworthy Republic: The Dispossession of Native Americans and the Road to Indian Territory
"In Indigenous Continent, Pekka Hämäläinen continues his pathbreaking work that re-envisions the North American narrative to put Native peoples at center stage. Here he pulls back to a centuries-long perspective of Native power, strategic maneuvering, and spiritual and diplomatic adaptation that every student of our common history will find illuminating."
--Elliott West, author of The Last Indian War and The Contested Plains, winner of the Francis Parkman Prize
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Liveright (September 12, 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 592 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1324094060
- ISBN-13 : 978-1324094067
- Item Weight : 1.44 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.4 x 8.3 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #12,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in U.S. Colonial Period History
- #21 in Native American History (Books)
- #75 in U.S. State & Local History
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It was also fascinating to learn that actions by rogue settlers and government, mostly implicit and based upon the excuse that the land was “terra nullius,” was made explicit by Andrew Jackson who, as President, had an explicit policy of “Indian Removal,” part of what now can be seen as a consistent historical pattern for this country.
Indian Removal
Indian Reservations, which can be characterized as “mainstream removal” (even though by time, the choice was between absolute genocide or reservation life)
Slavery, which can be characterized as “humanity removal”
Jim Crow, which can be characterized as “citizenship removal”
Urban Renewal, characterized by James Baldwin as “Negro Removal”
Mass Incarceration, which can be characterized as “black and brown community removal”
It was also striking to read about explicit White sentiment concerning the Plains and the West and how these areas were too good for Indians. This reminded me of waterfront development – Redlining – Central Park – Lincoln Center – Manhattan in general.
Surprised by the devastation of Indians by disease, but also learned and was shocked by the numbers of Indians that were sold into slavery in the Caribbean. [Native American nations also kept slaves but treated them more fairly, often adopting them into their tribes as kin.”]
My general complaint is that the text is extensively footnoted, where the author reveals the source of a conclusion. But I would have liked to have a sentence or two about the background for the conclusion as opposed to being referred to the sources, of which there are too many for me to read. Another problem I had was with the explanation of Georgia’s formation as a colony, as a Utopian colony with no slavery. But the author then talks about runaway slaves and attempts to get them back.
Very good reading.
Some surprises include how routine slavery has been throughout the continent and the world. Indigenous nations regularly hunted for captives from other indigenous nations, colonists, etc. Indigenous people had European and African slaves as well. Most European settlers paid for their passages to North America by fulfilling contracts as indentured servants. Even the Puritans participated in slave trade in the late 1600s, selling into slavery in the West Indies the indigenous Americans they captured in battles.
Colonial Georgia was managed initially by "the Georgia trustees, a group of London reformers and humanitarians" who intended a colony for ordinary European farmers and workers, a home for the destitute. "There were to be no wars, no dispossession of Native Americans, no slavery, no lawyers, and no hard liquor." The governor of Georgia negotiated for protection by the Muskogee Confederacy. Things did not quite work according to the founding vision.
Indigenous nations formed alliances and confederacies through kinship and negotiations among themselves and with colonists.
Cherokees considered an individual without kin less than a person. "Catawbas called Europeans 'Nothings,' pitiful people who lacked kin ties and did not belong." So much misunderstanding and conflict occurred throughout the early years of contact.
Entering into alliances and smoking the calumet, the colonists thought they were subjecting the natives for their kings back in Europe. At the same time the indigenous people thought the colonists were agreeing to come under their protection and become loyal subjects of the native nations.
From early conflict in ways of farming, to trading for weapons and tools and horses, the indigenous people and the colonists fumbled their way along. Treaties were made and broken, lines were held and moved, indigenous nations were demoted to "tribes" as English colonists prevailed against French colonists.
Smallpox and other diseases decimated great numbers of indigenous people, furthering the European colonial push westward to gain territory and perhaps find a magical passage to China trade.
Indigenous people fought alongside European allies against common enemies as often as against one another. And in spite of great genocidal injustices and the superior technology of colonial powers, indigenous people dominated the continent for centuries after the first European arrivals and have retained and protected their own traditions and beliefs.
The interactions of indigenous nations and Europeans and Africans produced more of a continent forged in fire than a "melting pot." Both ends of the ancient silk roads connected and made sparks.
Oxford University Professor Pekka Hamalainen has written previous histories of the Lakota and Comanche nations, and I hope he continues publishing. In the meantime, his extensive footnotes and bibliography will lead me to further reading. I would love more maps and graphics in this survey. This is a book I will keep.
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Some surprises include how routine slavery has been throughout the continent and the world. Indigenous nations regularly hunted for captives from other indigenous nations, colonists, etc. Indigenous people had European and African slaves as well. Most European settlers paid for their passages to North America by fulfilling contracts as indentured servants. Even the Puritans participated in slave trade in the late 1600s, selling into slavery in the West Indies the indigenous Americans they captured in battles.
Colonial Georgia was managed initially by "the Georgia trustees, a group of London reformers and humanitarians" who intended a colony for ordinary European farmers and workers, a home for the destitute. "There were to be no wars, no dispossession of Native Americans, no slavery, no lawyers, and no hard liquor." The governor of Georgia negotiated for protection by the Muskogee Confederacy. Things did not quite work according to the founding vision.
Indigenous nations formed alliances and confederacies through kinship and negotiations among themselves and with colonists.
Cherokees considered an individual without kin less than a person. "Catawbas called Europeans 'Nothings,' pitiful people who lacked kin ties and did not belong." So much misunderstanding and conflict occurred throughout the early years of contact.
Entering into alliances and smoking the calumet, the colonists thought they were subjecting the natives for their kings back in Europe. At the same time the indigenous people thought the colonists were agreeing to come under their protection and become loyal subjects of the native nations.
From early conflict in ways of farming, to trading for weapons and tools and horses, the indigenous people and the colonists fumbled their way along. Treaties were made and broken, lines were held and moved, indigenous nations were demoted to "tribes" as English colonists prevailed against French colonists.
Smallpox and other diseases decimated great numbers of indigenous people, furthering the European colonial push westward to gain territory and perhaps find a magical passage to China trade.
Indigenous people fought alongside European allies against common enemies as often as against one another. And in spite of great genocidal injustices and the superior technology of colonial powers, indigenous people dominated the continent for centuries after the first European arrivals and have retained and protected their own traditions and beliefs.
The interactions of indigenous nations and Europeans and Africans produced more of a continent forged in fire than a "melting pot." Both ends of the ancient silk roads connected and made sparks.
Oxford University Professor Pekka Hamalainen has written previous histories of the Lakota and Comanche nations, and I hope he continues publishing. In the meantime, his extensive footnotes and bibliography will lead me to further reading. I would love more maps and graphics in this survey. This is a book I will keep.
Hamalainen really does a great job, as with all of his books, by creating a narrative that is both invigorating and heartbreaking.
Top reviews from other countries
Wie indigen sind die USA? Im Gegensatz zur gängigen Meinung weltweit, dass die Indigenen keine Rolle mehr spielen, scheint es einen finnischen Historiker benötigt zu haben, um den USA ihren anhaltenden indigenen Bestandteil unter die Nase zu reiben: Pekka Hämäläinen hat die Geschichte der Kolonisierung des Kontinents geschrieben von vor Kolumbus bis zum Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts, als durch das Massaker bei Wounded Knee an rund 300 wehrlosen Lakotas das „Indianerproblem“ endlich als „gelöst“ galt. Das ist es aber nicht, denn die indigenen Menschen mit den fast bis zur Vernichtung getriebenen Nationen sind noch da, und der latente indigene Bestandteil lässt sich zwar verdrängen, aber es ist ein eklatanter Wirklichkeitsverlust, von dem die weiße Mentalität der Amerikaner geprägt wird.
Hämäläinens Buch erschien 2022, mittlerweile ist eine deutsche Übersetzung erschienen, die freilich den eleganten, flüssigen Sprachstil des Originals nicht beibehalten konnte, wie auch sonst die Übersetzung so manches Defizit hat. Aber auch Hämäläinens Original ist nicht immer leicht lesbar, man erstickt förmlich in einer Fülle an Fakten, ohne dass die handelnden Personen hinüber und herüber mehr als pauschal charakterisiert wurden. Insofern ist es schwierig, sich als Leser in einzelne Persönlichkeiten hineinzudenken, und auch die Fakten selbst, kriegerische Auseinandersetzungen, Vertragsbrüche, Umsiedelungen, das erklärte Ziel weißer Politiker und Siedler, die „Indianer“ auszurotten – die Ereignisse im Einzelnen werden relativ kurz abgehandelt, wie sonst hätte man mehr als 500 Jahre Geschichte in ein einziges Buch pressen können? Dennoch gelingt es Hämäläinen, die indigene Anwesenheit auf dem Kontinent als dauerhaften Machtfaktor deutlich zu machen, ebenso wie die erstaunliche Leistung, dass die indigenen Nationen, ab dem 18. und im 19. Jahrhundert vor allem Comanchen und Lakotas, sich langfristig behaupten konnten gegen Spanier, Franzosen, Engländer, gegen deren eigene Auseinandersetzungen untereinander sowie mit den europäischen Ausgangsmächten. Häufig wurden Indigene in Kämpfe hineingezogen, mit denen sie nichts zu tun hatten, und Hämäläinen definiert das Verhalten der Kolonisatoren nicht etwa als erfolgreich und anerkennenswert, sondern klar als arrogant, rassistisch, bewusst bösartig und brutal. Er verschweigt auch nicht die mentale Ursache des Konflikts – das Prinzip von Macht, Gewalt und Unterwerfung auf Seiten der Eindringlinge gegen das Kinship-Prinzip von Bündnissen und geteilter Verantwortung auf Seiten der Indigenen. Hämäläinen hat weit mehr als eine unglaubliche Fleißarbeit hingelegt – es ist sein souveräner Standpunkt, der dem Leser Ursachen und Tragweite eines kontinentalen Jahrhundertkonflikts vermittelt.