William Apess and the Mashpee Revolt
Growing up in multiple homes and struggling with alcoholism would have dampened the spirit of any man, but William Apess used his misfortunes to strengthen his will to fight for what he believed in. His Pequot ancestry and their demise as an Indian nation, along with his Christian beliefs led him to unprecedented territory in the struggle for the proper treatment and equality of all people. His most notable accomplishment involving the Mashpee revolution places him at the top of the elite in oratory and literary protesting.
The Pequot tribe inhabited most of Southeastern Connecticut when the colonists arrived to the new world. The Pequot were among the most feared tribes in Southern New England in relation to the colonists. Actually, the name “Pequot” is of Algonquian descent and translates to mean “destroyers”. As the Pequot were migrating westward continuous altercations with the colonists arose. One incident in particular led to the murder of an English man believed to be a traitor by the Pequot. John Endicott, of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, organized an attack against the Pequot in retaliation for the murder of the alleged traitor, John Oldham. On May 26, 1637 the Pequot were attacked by some colonists as well as the Pequot former tribesmen the Mohegan and Uncas. Nearly all the Pequot villages were burned and nearly all of the Pequot were killed. Some small groups did escape but most were found and either murdered or sold into slavery to other Indian nations as well as residents of the West Indies. After the “Pequot War”, the Pequot name was all but eliminated giving way to the Mohegan. The pride of the Pequot people and their immense hatred of the Mohegan tribe were very prevalent t...
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...pess is arguably the most influential oratory and literary objector to the mistreatment of minorities, and specifically Native Americans.
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...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.
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The Pequots were a warlike tribe of Indians who attempted to covertly gain control of all the Indians in the New England territory. Obviously, they posed quite a problem for the colonists. Initially, they attempted to compromise with a peace treaty. The Indian tribe accepted the treaty that put in place guidelines that had to be met. Of course, it wasn't long afterwards, that said tribe starting assaulting the pilgrims. The Pequot tribe killed two important figures at the time and slaughtered the armed expedition sent out by the (Massachusetts Bay Colony) in response to these assassinations. Furthermore, the Pequot's sought to convince the Narragansetts to attack the pilgrims. Thus, the colonists didn't have any choice but to take up arms and defend their women and
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Not many know about Dragging Canoe and the battle he fought during the American Revolutionary War. The Native American’s role in the Revolutionary War was very important, but not well known. As a result, the Revolutionary War can come across as one-sided. Dragging Canoe fought for the Native American’s existence in the colonies. First, he was strongly opposed to Henderson’s Purchase or also called the Transylvania Purchase. Secondly, Dragging Canoe’s raid at “Battle of the Bluffs” became an issue for the colonists. And lastly, there was negotiating done between the British and Colonists would somehow effect Dragging Canoe, his warriors, and the future for the Native Americans.
In 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 his essay, An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man, Apess states that “ I would take the liberty to ask why they are not brought forward and pains taken to educate them, to give them all a common education…”(Apess 563). The lack of education available to the Native Americans exposes them to being taken advantage of. Therefore, they can not defend the injustice brought upon them. According to Apess, “ if they had [an education], I would risk them to take care of their own property” (Apess 563). During Apess’ time, the Native Americans are not educated because of their skin color. Additionally, the Native Americans face severe opposition from the government in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. In most cases, they are forced to speak English and assimilate to be part of the main stream society. In modern day, Native Americans are experiencing some changes from Apess’ time. Although limited, they have the right to govern themselves. In some reservations, they have their own court system and
Kugel, Rebecca, and Lucy Eldersveld Murphy. Native women's history in eastern North America before 1900: a guide to research and writing. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2007.
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Project, Harvard. The State of the Native Nations. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. 221-222.
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