The Earth Shall Weep: a History of Native America
James Wilson
Describes 16th & 17th century Spanish, Dutch and English settlers in North America. A bit biased - but maybe trying to redress the balance. Trying to
correct misconceptions - e.g. that there weren't many Indians whereas the
author suggests there were between 50-70 million, many of whom were then
wiped out by disease introduced by the settlers. (e.g. smallpox - death rate
70-80% - much greater than the Black Death). Looks at the rationalisations
of the settlers and their justification for taking over the land - this was
seen as ok because the Indians roamed over the land rather than settling.
The early settlers were dependent on the Indians for their food but still
described them as marauding.
Rory 23/7/00
The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.