Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West – Dee Brown – 1970
What the Book Explores
Dee Brown’s Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee presents a history of the American West from the perspective of Native American tribes. It details the systematic dispossession, forced relocation, and cultural destruction experienced by various tribes—Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Nez Perce, and others—during the 19th century. The book focuses on the broken treaties, military campaigns, and governmental policies that led to the decline of Native American power and autonomy. It’s not a military history focused on battles, but a chronicle of political maneuvers, betrayals, and the human cost of westward expansion. It examines the individual experiences of leaders and people within these tribes, detailing their resistance and their ultimate subjugation.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1970, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee emerged during a period of increased Native American activism and a growing re-evaluation of American history. Prior to its publication, mainstream narratives of the American West largely celebrated pioneers and minimized or ignored the suffering of Indigenous populations. Brown’s work challenged this dominant narrative by utilizing a vast array of primary sources – government documents, personal diaries, and oral histories gathered from Native Americans themselves – to offer a counter-history. The book’s title originates from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, referencing the grief and loss associated with the fate of Native Americans. Its impact was significant, contributing to a shift in public consciousness and fueling calls for social justice and recognition of Native American rights.
Who This Book Is For
This work is accessible to general readers interested in American history, particularly those seeking a more nuanced and critical understanding of the Westward Expansion. It is also relevant for students of history, Native American studies, and political science. Its power resides in its detailed narrative and its ability to humanize a group often relegated to the margins of historical accounts. It requires no prior specialized knowledge, though familiarity with the broad strokes of 19th-century American history is helpful.
Further Reading
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz: Provides a comprehensive overview of Native American history from pre-colonial times to the present.
- The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America by James Wilson: Offers a detailed account of Native American history, focusing on the environmental and cultural consequences of colonization.
- Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt: A powerful autobiographical account of a Lakota holy man, offering insights into Lakota spirituality and worldview.
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