NATIONAL BESTSELLERNew 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
✔ Author(s): Pekka Hämäläinen
✔ Title: Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (436 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1324094060
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Indigenous Continent by Pekka Hämäläinen
Maddison Pearce
Immerse yourself in a richly detailed fantasy world where heroes and villains clash in epic battles. The author's intricate plotting and dynamic characters create a compelling narrative. Each twist and turn in the story keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and imaginative world-building transport you to another realm. It's a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of epic fantasy. Perfect for fans of high-stakes adventures.
Elvenia Connolly
Unravel the secrets of a small town with a dark past in this gripping thriller. The author's atmospheric writing and suspenseful plot make for a page-turner. Each character's hidden motives and secrets add to the tension. The twists and surprises keep you guessing until the very end. It's a chilling and captivating read that you won't want to put down. Perfect for fans of mystery and suspense.
Aviana Olsen
Discover the hidden stories behind famous works of art in this fascinating book. The author's detailed research and engaging writing bring each piece to life. Each chapter uncovers new insights into the artists' lives and creative processes. The narrative is both informative and captivating, offering a new perspective on familiar artworks. It's a must-read for art lovers and history buffs alike. Perfect for those who appreciate the stories behind the art.
