Native American Massacre Analysis

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Europeans felt the need to slaughter entire villages or people in response to a single murder. But the Europeans would also use retaliation as a means of acquiring one’s land. The excuse of revenge could be used in order to justify killing a Native American group and taking their land. This land taking theme will be something which reoccurs very often. Land disputes were another common in violence in pre-colonial and colonial North American society. Black Hawk made his intentions clear when he speaks about his long time rivalry with the Sioux peoples. Both groups made legitimate claims to what they felt were their hunting grounds. Indeed, both groups most likely hunted in the areas at various times, with neither party ever fully controlling …show more content…

These Europeans were likely aware of their encroachment, but neglected it as often nothing was immediately done. Yet the Powhatan massacre showed that Native Americans were very upset by these newcomers upon their lands.
“Powhatans targeting of the outlying settlements for the main brunt of the attack may provide the “text” of the lesson- that the English should remain within their proper area,” . This sort of retaliation would have made the Powhatans believe that the Europeans would realize their transgressions and not move further into Native American territory. Thus, from the beginning of European arrival on the North American continent, the Europeans took land from others, and were soon after punished for it. One of the largest reasons for violence among Native Americans and Europeans peoples was the clash of militaristic cultures. Both sides relied heavily upon me men being considered more masculine after engaging in some sort of violence. For many Native Americans, this was after having killed another warrior. Black Hawk provides the most prominent example of …show more content…

Karr presents an interesting argument, “English Puritans brought with them attitudes, both from their religion and from their political culture, of strong hostility toward cultures unlike their own, which made it particularly difficult for them to treat Indians as legitimate foes to whom the law of arms should be applied,”. Since this culture made them believe the Indians were less than them, this created an attitude of full scale warfare unlike anything the North American continent was used to. In response to attacks, Europeans would often destroy entire Native American communities, including women and children. Black Hawk commonly points out the military culture within the Americans militia and divisions he fights against. Frequently he points out various military leaders who he feels great respect for, as they are able to wage violence in very deliberate and tactical ways. Black Hawk notes the general involved in the boat attack is very wise in ordering his men to fire upon the Native Americans when they rush upon them. Black Hawk says he would very much like to shake his hand, and show his respect to his adversary. In conclusion, many differing problems culminated in bring about violence in pre-Columbian, and post-Columbian North America. Though Europeans brought many new weapons and cultures to the European continent, violence over Land disputes, revenge, and the clash of militaristic

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