American History in the book White Devil
analytical Essay
1239 words
Brumwell, Stephen. White Devil: A True Story of War, Savagery, and Vengeance in Colonial America. Da Capo Press Inc. March, 2005.
The book opens "Nous sommes tours Sauvages," which translates to "We are all Savages." It's a fitting way to begin a book chronicling the story of Major Robert Rogers and his rangers journey, Native American slaughter, and return home. In White Devil: A True Story of War, Savagery, and Vengeance in Colonial America, author Stephen Brumwell depicts a well researched, unbiased image of: war, hardship, courage, savagery, vengeance, and survival. Brumwell wants to show his readers an image of the true nature of war and all the trimmings that goes along with it. There has never been a war where atrocities were not committed. Further more, there has never been a war where the atrocities were not committed by all sides, to one extent or another. This war was no different. This compelling read draws from a broad range of primary sources, including Rogers' Journals, contemporary newspaper accounts, the letters and remembrances of Rogers' surviving Rangers, and several generations of Abenaki oral history.
The book is organized into a well detailed, accurate story account of Rogers' journey. It chronicles the massacre at Fort William Henry that led to everything. Rogers' journey to Canada to the village of St. Francis. His vengeful slaughter of the village in retaliation. Then the aftermath and the perilous journey home. The research from the numerous primary sources give it a historic tone. The Abenaki oral traditions themselves poke in the other side to the conflict.
To summarize the book into a few paragraphs doesn't due it the justice it deserves. The beginning details of the French and Ind...
... middle of paper ...
...h and the French and Indians, but shows some of the ironic nature of this conflict: that due to kidnapping and tribal adoption, some Abenaki Indians were likely to have almost as many English ancestors as the frontiersmen they opposed. The English frontiersmen could be as "savage" as the Indians. Brumwell does very well dispelling the clichés and stereotypes that many have become accustomed to. He uses records of the Abenaki Indian oral tradition to give a voice to both sides. It is a great book from start to finish. This is a true history buffs companion and a great addition to any library. The book is as complex in its knowledge as it is simplistic and detailed in its imagery. As a result, this book can be read by both specialists and general readers alike and can be pared with almost any text giving light to the French and Indian War or the aftermath thereof.
In this essay, the author
- Narrates the carnage at st. francis, where the men were ordered to halt and refresh themselves. major rogers, lieut. turner and ensign avery left the company and went forward for reconnoitering.
- Opines that brumwell's story is accurate, insightful, and beautiful, without bias or inflation. they find it refreshing to read a book "off the beaten path."
- Analyzes how brumwell explores the savage nature of the conflict between the english and the french and indians.
- Introduces stephen brumwell's white devil: a true story of war, savagery, and vengeance in colonial america.
- Describes how major rogers and his men attacked the abenaki village of st. francis in 1759, killing men, women, and children. they were hailed as heroes by the colonists.
Let Our AI Magic Supercharge Your Grades!
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- The French And Indian War Sparknotesanalytical essayBorneman, Walter. The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America. New York: Harper Perennial, 2006.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that borneman's book, the french and indian war: deciding the fate of north america, is the first true war of global proportions.
- Analyzes how borneman's 1812: the war that forged a nation was steeped in knowledge of the period, but it was his desire to dig deeper.
- Analyzes how borneman sets the stage for the many altercations that would ensue during the onset of the french and indian war.
- Analyzes how borneman describes the various rulers, including king george ii of great britain, louis xv of france, ferdinand vi of spain, maria theresa of austria, and marquise de pompadour mistress.
- Analyzes the many facets of borneman's book, which is a comprehensive and detailed account of the military and socio-political events during the french and indian war.
- Opines that borneman's work is objective and pure, stating facts in an enlightened manner. he leaves no attempt to offer blatantly obvious bias and leaves little open to question.
- Analyzes how borneman's portrayal and detailed information about george washington brings so much more to the man and the character. with no real complaints and only a thirst for more, scored big with this book.
- Explains borneman, walter, the french and indian war: deciding the fate of north america.
- States that walter borneman, the french and indian war: deciding the fate of north america.
1813 wordsRead More - The French Revolutionexplanatory essay1. Doyle, W 1989, The Oxford History of the French Revolution, Oxford University Press, Walton
In this essay, the author
- Explains that france was an aristocratic bureaucracy presided over by sovereign monarch louis xvi.
- Analyzes the disparity between the nobility, clergy, and third estate, which led to social discontent and the swift and vehement french revolution.
- Explains that the first estate, also known as the clergy, experienced select entitlements, besides its honorific preeminence, and possessed very great privileges.
- Explains that the nobility, or the second estate, lived the most favorable existence of those in post-renaissance france.
- Explains that the third estate was the largest and most diverse societal group in post-renaissance france. the class system and the partition of french society was responsible for the social discontent that led to the french revolution.
- Explains that louis xvi was the absolute monarch and sovereign ruler of france from 1774 until 1791. his failure as king directly resulted in the french revolution.
- Explains that marie antoinette was the 15th child of the holy roman empress and queen of austria, maria theresa.
- Explains that french involvement in a colonial conquest against the british led to the french revolution of 1789. the revolt of the english colonies stirred excitement in france and louis xvi got his finances into bad condition.
- Explains how france played a significant role in the american war of independence, which began one year after louis xvi came to power.
- Explains that france's involvement in the american war of independence was distant in nature; battles were fought on different continents and expansive naval voyages.
- Explains that the french revolution was'realized by violence'12, provoked by the societal conditions of france in 1789.
- States doyle, w 1989, the oxford history of the french revolution, oxford university press, walton.
- Explains mettam, r. 1988, power and faction in louis xvi's france.
2072 wordsRead More - Analysis of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White Cityanalytical essayThe World Fair of 1933 brought promise of new hope and pride for the representation of Chicago, America. As Daniel Burnham built and protected America’s image through the pristine face of the fair, underlying corruption and social pollution concealed themselves beneath Chicago’s newly artificial perfection. Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City meshes two vastly different stories within 19th century America and creates a symbolic narrative about the maturing of early Chicago.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how erik larson's the devil in the white city meshes two stories within 19th century america and creates a symbolic narrative about the maturing of early chicago.
- Analyzes how burnham's efforts transformed public opinion of the state by lighting the entire fair with clean white buildings, which contradicted the presumed dirtiness.
- Explains how the integration of new inventions was key in creating chicago's new appearance. the electric light was a new and fantastic shock for visitors from countries that had never seen that amount of light in the late hours.
- Analyzes how larson switches off between the efforts of burnham and holmes after each chapter. they represent the light and good of chicago, while holmes represents evil and darkness.
- Analyzes how larson's novel captures the mayhem of a disorganized yet rapidly-advancing time.
853 wordsRead More - Analysis Of Thomas King's 'The Inconvenient Indian'analytical essayIn Thomas King’s novel, The Inconvenient Indian, the story of North America’s history is discussed from his original viewpoint and perspective. In his first chapter, “Forgetting Columbus,” he voices his opinion about how he feel towards the way white people have told America’s history and portraying it as an adventurous tale of triumph, strength and freedom. King hunts down the evidence needed to reveal more facts on the controversial relationship between the whites and natives and how it has affected the culture of Americans. Mainly untangling the confusion between the idea of Native Americans being savages and whites constantly reigning in glory. He exposes the truth about how Native Americans were treated and how their actual stories were
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how thomas king's novel, the inconvenient indian, discusses the story of north america’s history from his original viewpoint and perspective. king untangles the confusion between the idea of native americans being savages and whites constantly reigning in glory.
- Analyzes how king conveys the reasons why americans need to forget the stories which they were once told in order to expose themselves to the unfortunate truths before 1985.
- Analyzes how the portrayal of native americans in pop culture demoralizes their culture and has diminished their traditional values for years.
- Analyzes how thomas king exposed the great historical stories that no one dares to change and rightly correct it. more facts and evidence can only brighten the future and help us tell the right stories from then on.
918 wordsRead More - The Devil in Massachusetts Book Reviewanalytical essayThe Salem witch craft trials are the most learned about and notable of Europe's and North America's witch hunts. Its notoriety and fame comes from the horrendous amount of people that were not only involved, but killed in the witch hunt and that it took place in the late 1700's being one of the last of all witch hunts. The witch craft crises blew out of control for several reasons. Firstly, Salem town was facing hard economic times along with disease and famine making it plausible that the only explanation of the town's despoilment was because of witches and the devil. As well, with the stimulation of the idea of witch's from specific constituents of the town and adolescent boredom the idea of causing entertainment among the town was an ever intriguing way of passing time.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the salem witchcraft trials are the most learned about and notable of europe's and north america’s witch hunts. the witch craft crises blew out of control for several reasons.
- Analyzes how marion l. starkey's version of the salem witch trials is an attempt at an 'easy read' for those wishing to learn about a detailed listing of events.
- Analyzes how the layout of "the devil in massachusetts" appears to be in more of a narrative form, with the elements of the fictional story.
- Analyzes how starkey's version of the events surrounding bishop is spread throughout the book. while the major focus of indictment and trial was on pages 104-108, other information was placed in sporadically.
- Analyzes starkey's use of confusing historical terms in a book that is clearly written in present-day english.
- Compares "the salem witchcraft trials" by peter charles hopper with starkey's book. the trial and hanging of john procter are one continuous fluid event of accusations, trial, conviction, and necessary background information.
- Analyzes how starkey's novel has an obvious inconsistency, but it is shown most clearly in her own words taken directly from the preface.
- Opines that hoffer's book seems to be more factual and streamlined at re-telling historic documents. starkey takes on too many different approaches that do not seem straightforward to the reader.
790 wordsRead More - Cherokeesanalytical essayThe third topic of the thesis Everett attempts to prove deals with the determination of the Texas Cherokees to attempt to control the situations they were faced with. It is stated that five hundred warriors took part in the final battle Chief Duwali would fight in. (Everett 108) This proves the determination in the Cherokees hearts. Instead of giving up and moving east they decided to take a stand with overwhelming odds against them.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the struggle of european nations to dominate the new world caused the texas cherokees to be caught between two fires.
- Analyzes how everett's depiction of the texas cherokees experiences supported the thesis presented. the thesis was clearly stated in the preface and the use of specific examples helped to strongly support it.
- Analyzes everett's thesis about the cherokees caught between white settlers pushing westward and resistance from other tribes to the east.
- Analyzes how everett's thesis relates the texas cherokees caught between removal and extermination.
- Analyzes how everett's thesis deals with the determination of the texas cherokees to attempt to control situations they were faced with.
- Analyzes how everett's book, "the texas cherokees," relates to a theme in the class, dealing with the interactions between the west and non-western peoples.
- Analyzes how in fifty days on board a slave vessel the british were against slavery “rescued'; slaves being deported from africa.
687 wordsRead More - The Devil In The White Cityanalytical essayThe Devil in the White City by Erik Larson tells the story of Daniel Burnham’s World Fair and H.H. Holmes’ murder spree. The tale focuses much on the conflict between good and evil, light and dark. However, the book also goes deeper, utilizing contrast to demonstrate the greed, exclusiveness, and exploitation ever present in the Gilded Age of America.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how larson's the devil in the white city tells the story of daniel burnham’s world fair and h.h. holmes’ murder spree.
- Analyzes how larson's first use of contrast demonstrates the exploitation of the gilded age.
- Compares the conditions of some characters in the devil in the white city to emphasize the greed and exploitation of the gilded age.
- Analyzes how larson exposes the exclusivity, greed, and exploitation in the gilded age of america.
1040 wordsRead More - Revolutionary Causes - USAanalytical essayThe end of the French Indian War left bitter tensions amongst the Native American tribes, Britain and the colonists. The Native tribes were understandably upset with the outcome of the French Indian War. The French had treated the natives fairly and in general, honestly as well. Furthermore they accepted and often adopted the dress or culture of the Natives. This was in contrast to the crooked dealings, corruption and arrogance the Native Americans encountered with the British. The British even denied the very humanity of the American Indian and were contemptuous of the Native culture. After the French were defeated the British continued to treat the Natives unfairly. The Natives were further angered when they were informed that there were now expected to be loyal subjects of a foreign king. With the French gone, even more colonist trickled into Indian lands. The colonists saw the land as a war prize and were eager to expand their settlements. More forts were consequently built to protect and regulate the frontier. The Native tribes were alarmed with the British domination and saw their land and culture slipping away. This tension amongst the tribes led to a resurgence of Native culture. A movement embracing the fundamentals of Native traditions that rejected the western culture gained ground. Pontiac, a chief and great orator used his influence to build alliance and untied fellow tribes against the British. The Native Americans launched a bloody war, conquering at least eight British forts. This conflict was ca...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the colonies' tense atmosphere was pushed even further with taxes, acts, and proclamations passed by britain. the harsh frontier life led to the independent and stubborn nature of the american colonists.
- Analyzes how the end of the french indian war left bitter tensions amongst the native american tribes, britain and the colonists.
- Explains that the proclamation of 1763 was enacted in response to the native american threat and racial tensions that permeated the colonial frontier.
- Explains that the american revenue act of 1764, a modification of the detested molasses act, provided stricter enforcement of taxes and commercial regulations on the colonies.
1903 wordsRead More - The average British citizen in America during the 17th Century had a preconceived notion of Indians as savage beasts. However, before the arrival of the British, the New England Indians, specifically the Wampanoag tribe, lived a harmonious and interdependent lifestyle. Conflict among the Wampanoag was limited to minor tribal disputes. The war methods of the Indians were in fact more civilized than the British methods. The close living quarters of the British and Indians forced the Indians to adopt aspects of British civilization in order to survive, such as the ways of warfare. Douglas Leach in his book Flintlock and Tomahawk: New England in the time of King Philip's War argues that British influence on Indian society turned the Indians from savage to civilized. This paper will argue that British influence turned the Indians from civilized to savage. The examination of Wampanoag behavior from before British influence through King Philip's War proves that Wampanoag beliefs became more materialistic, that land ownership became important, and that unnecessary violence became a part of their warfare.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the infamous king philip's war, which was a result of the growing tension, showed how much the indians had changed their lifestyle.
- Argues that british influence on indian society turned the indians from savage to civilized.
- Analyzes how rowlandson's narrative describes the killing of an innocent woman and child. the indians adopted british warfare methods to emulate the british cruelty.
- Explains drake, james d, hirsch, adam j, and salisbury, neal. the sovereignty and goodness of god.
1744 wordsRead More - with the Indians, for the most part, siding with the French against Britain. The events and
In this essay, the author
- Describes the ohio valley as the main source of revenue in the eighteenth century.
- Explains that canada occupied parts of canada but also wanted a stake in america.
- Opines that officers hated colonial service and took great care to avoid it. after all, america was a
- Explains that they refused to be taxed for a war because they thought, according to their religion, it was illegal.
- Opines that pitt offered to reimburse them a share of the money did they render some wealth, though.
- Opines that british general braddock went so far as to forewarn them that they were whipped.
- Explains that mariners served in british ships and received little to no pay.
- Explains that they covered the war effort, and promoted a unity of consciousness.
- Opines that the albany plan of union was a positive step in achieving this goal.
- Opines that the military governor was ahead of his time and appointing him was unfortunate.
- Opines that the king would have vetoed it because it "smelled".
- Describes the ways in which they eat together and gather around in times of battle.
- Opines that common cause is extremely important in a revolution.
- Explains that officials in paris had, partly because of the treason by smuggling goods to the enemy.
- Explains that indian wars, like pontiac's rebellion, believed that the lands should be
- Explains that the debt of england was the largest ever induced in a colonial period.
- Describes the reasons why routine guard duties could be taken over, thereby releasing regulars for service.
- Explains that they simply did not want a standing army and didn't want to be taxed.
- Explains that the grenville program, consisting of revenues with the sole purpose of taxing them, could not be taxed.
- Explains that they felt less dependent militarily on the british by the end of the war.
- Explains bailey, thomas, and kennedy, david. the american pageant. 9th ed.
- Describes gipson, lawrence, and john wahkle's the american revolution as an aftermath of the great war for the empire.
- Explains how the french and indian war led to the indians siding with the british against britain.
- Explains that the navigation and trade laws were loosely enforced, leading to the loathed writs of assistance.
- Explains that english saw little other alternative than the treaty of easton with the ohio valley indians, which was ratified by the king, and colonel bouquet's avowals.
- Opines that the colonists found extreme indignity in this. had they not shed blood and endured a war to obtain this land?
- Explains that the proclamation of 1763 was one of the first documents issued to govern the colonies, and required those already settled in the specified regions to return east.
1483 wordsRead More - French and Indian Waranalytical essayFor years, many main powers in the New World acted selfishly and greedily. Their desire for land and power blinded them. The land and resources of early America were primarily divided between England and France. This led to many conflicts between these two powers. England however had crucial advantages over the French. England’s population outnumbered France. Britain lacked land and the French craved to establish themselves as a world empire. The Ohio River Valley was a rich piece of land and good for growing crops. Both England and France wanted a large stake of this land. This land inhabited Indians. The friendship between the French and Indians dragged the Indians into the French and Indian war. Unfortunately, no matter what side won the French and Indian war the Ohio River Valley Indians would be negatively affected.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the land and resources of early america were primarily divided between england and france, which led to many conflicts between these two powers.
- Analyzes how the french and indian war resulted in the indians losing their land because the ohio river valley was what the two sides were fighting for.
- Analyzes how the french and indians converted to catholicism before the war, thereby destroying native americans' identity.
- Explains that indian tribes were common victims of mistreatment if either side won the french and indian war.
- Explains that the desire for the ohio river valley pulled the native americans into a significant struggle between two large, greedy powers, both england and france.
- Describes the discovering multicultural america, including african americans, hispanics, asians and native americans.
- Explains that moore, gregory, and stanley i. kutler's dictionary of american history. 3rd ed. vol. 3.
- Explains that native americans were 'hoodwinked out of land' in discovering multicultural america.
945 wordsRead More - The Triumph of the Congress of Viennaanalytical essayFremont-Barnes, Gregory. The Encyclopedia of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars: A Political, Social, and Military History. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2006. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the congress of vienna was a series of conferences held in vienna, from 1814-1815, in which many european heads of government met to establish long-lasting piece, preventing revolution and any other nations from becoming too powerful.
- Explains that most of the decisions in the congress of vienna were made by the "great-powers," which included russia, prussia, great britain, austria and france.
- Explains that prince klemens von metternich was the most influential austrian foreign minister at the congress of vienna after napoleon's abdication in 1814.
- Describes how prince charles-maurice de talleyrand, who served under the directory, gained leadership over the minor powers and drove a wedge among the great powers.
- Analyzes how the congress of vienna proved its effectiveness and resilience when it successfully suppressed liberal revolutions through europe in the 1820s and 1830s.
- Explains that the encyclopedia of the french revolutionary and napoleonic wars: a political, social, and military history.
991 wordsRead More - The Battle of King Philip II Augustus of Franceanalytical essaySmedley, Edward. The History of France, from the Final Partition of the Empire of Charlemagne to the Peace of Cambray. London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1836. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that king philip ii augustus of france was not physically strong, but his strengths lay in his grasp of both political and military strategy. he was constantly involved in wars from 1180 to 1215.
- Explains that philip was born in gonesse on august 21st of 1165, his father louis was determined to have him succeed him on the throne.
- Narrates how louis vii knew that if he wanted to have philip succeed him, they had to act quickly as there were parties at play that would attempt to take the throne.
- Analyzes how philip succeeded in fulfilling his father's last wish in taking his throne, angering his mother and four uncles, who had previously had a great deal of influence over louis, but couldn't bring themselves into similar situations under philip.
- Narrates how philip began a war with the count of flanders over the county of vermandois in 1181.
- Analyzes how henry ii's eldest son passed away in 1183, which created a dispute over margaret' dowry, since her marriage had produced no children. philip realized that negotiations were going nowhere, and asked king bela iii of hungary to marry his sister, margaret.
- Analyzes how henry's fourth son died extending the conflict between philip and henry. philip created an alliance with henry’s sons richard the lionheart and john lackland who were rebelling against their father.
- Narrates how philip went on the third crusade with richard i and frederick of barbaross. the armies were reunited in messina and the french set sail for the holy land and arrived in may.
- Explains that philip of alsace was killed during the siege, putting in danger the treaty he instituted in his first battles. philip returned to settle the issue of succession in flanders (britannica).
- Analyzes how philip used treachery, politics, and military strategy to defeat richard, but he was forced to strike a truce with richard.
- Analyzes how philip was always working to extend his military advantage off the battle field, despite signing a treaty with john; he secretly encouraged rebellion in john’s french territories.
- Explains that philip's most famous war was the war of bouvines, where his army marched through cassel, ypres, and bruges before laying siege to ghent.
- Analyzes how the allied troops retreated and the french began to pursue them but stopped because they had too many prisoners. the count of flanders was kept imprisoned and john was allowed a truce.
- Opines that philip was a brilliant strategist both on and off the battle field. he used rebellions and political means to destabilize military operations of his opponents.
1954 wordsRead More - Historical Insights in Devil in the White Cityanalytical essayWrite an essay discussing the historical insights presented in Erik Larson’s Devil in the White City, being sure to answer the following questions: In what ways does the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 represent the contrasts and conflicts of the Gilded Age? What is the Fair’s lasting imprint on American society & culture, & what new trends does it signal for the twentieth century?
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the fair became a microcosm of the country that was building it. burnham was progressive in his approach to his labor force.
- Analyzes how mark twain coined the term "gilded age" to describe a time when the rich lived in the lap of luxary, and the poor starved to death.
- Analyzes how chicago's fair was a political affair. the wooded isle was free of construction, except for the japanese exhibit, which blended nicely with the theme.
- Opines that the fair's greatest impact on the us was the cultural innovations that were introduced, such as the eight hour work day and overtime pay.
- Explains that the fair was a cultural awakening for the people of the united states, since it had exhibits from all over the world.
- Opines that the chicago world's fair of 1893 was the turning point between old victorian, provential, and backwater ways in the us and the modern outlook and culture we enjoy today.
- Analyzes how the chicago world's fair of 1893 represented the contrasts and conflicts of the gilded age.
1844 wordsRead More - Sociological Aspects of "The Devil in the White City"analytical essay“The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson was a mix between two stories that overall worked well together. The stories worked together to convey the true overall meaning of the theme good versus evil. Good and evil are seen everywhere throughout the novel, even in the most obvious of places such as the title. Good and evil, dark and light, they all stand for the same thing. White is normally found to be pure and good. By the author naming the book, The Devil in the White City, he is trying to tell the reader that the novel is about how even in truly pure places evil will follow. Although, good and evil is the main theme of this novel, I found that if you look deeply into the way he tells the story, he is also trying to tell his reader about other themes. These other themes that you can find all throughout the book are things such as pride and determination. These other themes were very prominent and played very well into the plot and the theme of the story.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how larson's "the devil in the white city" was a mix between two stories that conveyed the true overall meaning of the theme good versus evil.
- Analyzes how burnham's life was based on the construction of the world columbian exposition, which was held in chicago in 1893.
- Compares holmes' story with burnham's. he represents the evil part of the story by foreshadowing the bad half of chicago.
- Analyzes how chicago's pride was seen throughout the story to further show the way the people of chicago felt about their city.
- Analyzes how daniel burnham, through the pride of his city, kept going so he wouldn't fail chicago. he took advantage of the city's pride to give the final push for himself mentally and his workers to finish the fair.
- Analyzes how larson uses his contrast between holmes and burnham to show how holmes' commitment and determination was just as strong.
- Analyzes how larson portrays holmes' determination vividly in the novel. he was questioned for insurance fraud and later for murders of two children.
- Analyzes how erik larson used suspenseful building strategies to hold the reader’s attention. the parallel story might cause confusion to some readers because of time lapses.
- Analyzes how the novel's relation to sociology is through various situations, such as crime and deviance, gender inequality, education, and work and industry.
- Explains larson, erik, the devil in the white city: murder, magic, and madness at the fair that changed america.
1607 wordsRead More