Howard Zinn Critique

Howard Zinn’s main purpose for writing “A People’s History of the United States” is to present history through an objective point of view. One of the ways Dr. Zinn refines the reader's perspective on historiography is through his own personal perspective on the subject. For example, on page ten of his book he writes, “The history of any country, presented as the history of a family, conceals fierce conflicts of interest (sometimes exploding, most often repressed) between conquerors and conquered, masters and slaves, capitalists and workers, dominators and dominated in race and sex.” This message is significant because it serves as a synopsis on what his book focuses on. Zinn implies that although the context of a situation is immutable, the conflicts of interest may be alternated in a way that will benefit a particular person or group of people.

Another key point is how Zinn illustrates the importance of frame of reference that both sides in a historical conflict followed (the victims and the victors.) For example, upon Columbus’ arrival they welcomed him and his crew with numerous goods.In addition, Columbus took advantage of their kindness and forced the Indians to bring back more goods. This is taken from an

When reading the first three chapters, Dr. Zenn was concise in getting his message across to his readers. He made it even easier to comprehend through analyzing comparative history and using interpretation to make his point clear. To conclude, the history of United States is not solemly shaped by the victories of the Spaniards or the Whites, but also by the victories and defeats of the Indians, of the African- American slaves, each were just as important as the other. “The cry of the poor is not alway just, but if you don’t listen to it, you will never know what justice is.” (p