Chapter Summary:
This chapter describes the events leading up the the final march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and the roles of President Lyndon B. Johnson and racist, pro-segregation Governor of Alabama George Wallace in the voting rights struggle. It begins with an introduction of the violent marches leading up to the events of March 13th, the "culmination of a series of steps that had pitted George Wallace against the civil rights movement and against the federal government." After the death of Jimmy Lee Jackson in Alabama during a bloody attack upon a crowd of demonstrators, which was ordered by Wallace, African Americans were outraged and decided to march to the state capital of Alabama to address Wallace himself. Wallace "issued an edict banning it," yet the civil rights movement still occurred. But not for long - on Wallace's orders, the demonstrators encountered state troopers who attacked the peaceful marchers. More bloodshed and violence caused outrage among white and blacks all over America, who called upon Johnson to take some sort of action. This led up to Wallace calling for a meeting with Johnson to discuss the "racial agitators and the growing menace of the Communist demonstrators in Alabama," but he was quickly shamed to silence by LBJ's rant which accused Wallace of police brutality in Alabama, as well as refusing educated blacks the right to vote.
At the end of the meeting, Johnson had "achieved what he set out to do- to make undeniably clear that the governor was not going to be able to wriggle out of letting the march take place." He made the governor a sort of scapegoat, and addressed the people of America, saying that what Wallace had done was wrong, and that "whether the governor agrees or not...law and order would prevail in Alabama." He ordered Wallace to let the march to Montgomery occur without opposition, and he ordered a voting rights bill to be passed that would "mass the power of the national government behind the right of African Americans to vote in elections in the Deep South." Johnson further instructed Wallace that he must employ the Guard to protect the demonstrators involved in the march, but Wallace broke his agreement by "claiming that the state could not afford to activate the Guard and he shifted responsibility for policing the march to the federal government," angering the president greatly. Johnson, however, did employ the guard to protect the demonstrators in the march, which in turn "[signaled] the overwhelming popular support for the president's new program of far-reaching voting rights legislation."
Chapter Reflection:
I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator's description of Lyndon B. Johnson's scornful and somewhat demeaning rant against Wallace - he was witty, he was charming, but he was harsh and angry. He made it know the injustices that Wallace performed, and exactly how he felt about it. This chapter was clearly set out and I could see the process of the events and how they affected each other, which helped me to better understand what was going on and how it impacted America and the voting/civil rights movements. I loved the triumphant return of the march, this time protected on all sides by Johnson's Guard, while Wallace hid in the capitol. Very symbolic.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Chapter 19: Memory, History, and the March on Washington
Chapter Summary:
This chapter illustrates the intellectual journey of a girl just becoming familiar with the fight for freedom, and her spontaneous attendance of one of the most influential events in history. For most of her childhood, the narrator was isolated from many of the social reforms going on around her, such as civil rights movements - once she went out on her own, she was drawn to the almost militarism of the civil rights activist movements, especially one known as the SNCC. She became involved with the younger generation of the more urgent, intense sense of freedom, sort of denouncing the elderly generation of solemnly following orders to get what you want. Although she respected Martin Luther King, she viewed him as "a cautious older leader," and "increasingly resented the tendency of reporters to focus on King rather than on student activism and SNCC's valiant campaign against hardcore racism." Throughout the chapter the narrator explains her growing appreciation of King, through the editing and reading of his works as well as a better understanding of the meaning of social justice and the fight for freedom. She realized that King's great gift as a speaker was his ability to transform traditional American values into "convincing, vivid portraits of a transformed world," which she grew to appreciate rather than to scorn, as she has witnessed "positive changes in the world that seem to give credence to King's hopeful vision."
Chapter Reflection:
I felt that although she grew to know and appreciate her experience at the March on Washington, it seemed that she didn't talk much about her actual experience and her feelings during the event that she actually witnessed. I would like to hear more of a firsthand account of the event, it seems as though her comments are like something that anyone looking back through history might find. I enjoyed reading her journey through the understanding of what civil rights and social justice really mean, and the description of her feeling a part of the march was moving. I loved her last quote: "it was one of those exceptional moments when injustice seemed outnumbered if not subdued." No matter what way you might view the 'best way' to attack social injustice, the unity and accomplishment when the goal is achieved in some way feels the same.
This chapter illustrates the intellectual journey of a girl just becoming familiar with the fight for freedom, and her spontaneous attendance of one of the most influential events in history. For most of her childhood, the narrator was isolated from many of the social reforms going on around her, such as civil rights movements - once she went out on her own, she was drawn to the almost militarism of the civil rights activist movements, especially one known as the SNCC. She became involved with the younger generation of the more urgent, intense sense of freedom, sort of denouncing the elderly generation of solemnly following orders to get what you want. Although she respected Martin Luther King, she viewed him as "a cautious older leader," and "increasingly resented the tendency of reporters to focus on King rather than on student activism and SNCC's valiant campaign against hardcore racism." Throughout the chapter the narrator explains her growing appreciation of King, through the editing and reading of his works as well as a better understanding of the meaning of social justice and the fight for freedom. She realized that King's great gift as a speaker was his ability to transform traditional American values into "convincing, vivid portraits of a transformed world," which she grew to appreciate rather than to scorn, as she has witnessed "positive changes in the world that seem to give credence to King's hopeful vision."
Chapter Reflection:
I felt that although she grew to know and appreciate her experience at the March on Washington, it seemed that she didn't talk much about her actual experience and her feelings during the event that she actually witnessed. I would like to hear more of a firsthand account of the event, it seems as though her comments are like something that anyone looking back through history might find. I enjoyed reading her journey through the understanding of what civil rights and social justice really mean, and the description of her feeling a part of the march was moving. I loved her last quote: "it was one of those exceptional moments when injustice seemed outnumbered if not subdued." No matter what way you might view the 'best way' to attack social injustice, the unity and accomplishment when the goal is achieved in some way feels the same.
Chapter 18: JFK and RFK Meet about Vietnam
Chapter Summary:
This chapter illustrates the behind the scenes communications between brothers John and Robert Kennedy, from the devious process in which Bobby was made Attorney General, to the "politically sensitive issue of Vietnam, which could involve the United States in a long-term military operation in Southeast Asia." John consistently opposed the involvement of American troops in overseas conflicts, especially volatile and unstable ones, unless an imminent threat was posed to the country. However, "questions about instability in South Vietnam mounted and advisers urged JFK to use American power to ensure the survival of an anti-Communist government," and JFK was forced to make a decision. The narrator imagines conversations between JFK and his most trusted and loyal ally discussing the best course of action. John was reluctant to involve American troops in Vietnam because of the obviously "dangerous and unprofitable terrain," and he didn't want to be drawn into a long-term conflict "at a cost in blood and treasure." He was also apprehensive because as he didn't want to use U.S. military troops, his solution (send military advisers to train and help the Vietnamese people fight their war) had to be kept on the down low, because if America seemed to be too involved in helping Vietnam, if the country seemed in danger of defeat, he would be backed into a corner by domestic pressures to increase the American support in the country, which is exactly what he planned to avoid. He took great pains to make sure the involvement was kept mostly from the public, and only confided in his brother Bobby, who loyally agreed and understood his thoughts. Soon, JFK began to speak of a coup in Vietnam which would lead to the "greater stability" the U.S. needed "as a prelude to pulling out [their] advisers." However, in the unsuccessful coup, one of Kennedy's friends was slain, and he felt much responsibility for encouraging the coup, which "divided the government [in America] and in Saigon." Next the narrator poses the question of how might Kennedy have handled the situation in Vietnam had he served a second term?
Chapter Reflection:
I like how the narrator connected this moment in history to how Kennedy might have felt about a modern event, the Iraq war. The overarching theme throughout the chapter expressed by both Kennedy's was a reluctance of involvement in other countries' political developments, especially unstable countries where involvement will probably do more harm than good. I like JQA's quote, "Do not go in search of monsters abroad." The brothers' personalities also seemed to work together very well, as JFK's leadership and wisdom were supported by his brother's loyalty, understanding, and serious dedication. I liked seeing a recreated thought process of the both of them during this historical event, and I'd like to learn more about the background information that led up to and was going on at the time.
This chapter illustrates the behind the scenes communications between brothers John and Robert Kennedy, from the devious process in which Bobby was made Attorney General, to the "politically sensitive issue of Vietnam, which could involve the United States in a long-term military operation in Southeast Asia." John consistently opposed the involvement of American troops in overseas conflicts, especially volatile and unstable ones, unless an imminent threat was posed to the country. However, "questions about instability in South Vietnam mounted and advisers urged JFK to use American power to ensure the survival of an anti-Communist government," and JFK was forced to make a decision. The narrator imagines conversations between JFK and his most trusted and loyal ally discussing the best course of action. John was reluctant to involve American troops in Vietnam because of the obviously "dangerous and unprofitable terrain," and he didn't want to be drawn into a long-term conflict "at a cost in blood and treasure." He was also apprehensive because as he didn't want to use U.S. military troops, his solution (send military advisers to train and help the Vietnamese people fight their war) had to be kept on the down low, because if America seemed to be too involved in helping Vietnam, if the country seemed in danger of defeat, he would be backed into a corner by domestic pressures to increase the American support in the country, which is exactly what he planned to avoid. He took great pains to make sure the involvement was kept mostly from the public, and only confided in his brother Bobby, who loyally agreed and understood his thoughts. Soon, JFK began to speak of a coup in Vietnam which would lead to the "greater stability" the U.S. needed "as a prelude to pulling out [their] advisers." However, in the unsuccessful coup, one of Kennedy's friends was slain, and he felt much responsibility for encouraging the coup, which "divided the government [in America] and in Saigon." Next the narrator poses the question of how might Kennedy have handled the situation in Vietnam had he served a second term?
Chapter Reflection:
I like how the narrator connected this moment in history to how Kennedy might have felt about a modern event, the Iraq war. The overarching theme throughout the chapter expressed by both Kennedy's was a reluctance of involvement in other countries' political developments, especially unstable countries where involvement will probably do more harm than good. I like JQA's quote, "Do not go in search of monsters abroad." The brothers' personalities also seemed to work together very well, as JFK's leadership and wisdom were supported by his brother's loyalty, understanding, and serious dedication. I liked seeing a recreated thought process of the both of them during this historical event, and I'd like to learn more about the background information that led up to and was going on at the time.
Chapter 17: The Sick Man in the White House
Chapter Summary:
The condition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in April of 1944 was alarming - "god-awful," as described by a physician who had examined the president. This physician diagnosed FDR with congestive heart failure and hypertension, both seriously dangerous ailments, and suggested strict dietary, physical, mental, and medical changes to improve his condition. The president's own personal physician Dr. McIntire, however, refused to acknowledge these findings - he seemed to be in denial about the state of the president, as well as his own misjudgments. Almost no one who knew about FDR's fatal heart problems wanted to tell him about it, partly in fear and probably partly with good intentions (refer to the article on "How to Keep Well," that suggests that forgetting about an illness helps keep stress levels down), hoping that the president would continue on for his fourth term in office, no matter how numbered they knew that his days were. They recognized that Roosevelt needed to stay in office, for it was the climax of the war and no one wanted to lose him as a leader, no matter what it would do to his health. Roosevelt, however, possibly knew about the risks and would want to stay in office no matter what, because he wasn't about to take orders from any doctors and abandon his country in need - "he was in it for the duration."
Chapter Reflection:
In my opinion, it was the duty of the president's physicians to let him know the state of his health, especially as dire as it was, no matter what the outcome was. Even if all of the doctors felt that it wasn't there right to tell the president what he should do, they should have at least told him about his conditions and the suggestions they had to prolong his life, which I'm pretty sure he would have wanted to hear, even if to serve the term and better serve his country. McIntire's "look-see's" seemed almost too casual - shouldn't he have been paying better attention to one of the most important men in the world at the time? His employer?
The condition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in April of 1944 was alarming - "god-awful," as described by a physician who had examined the president. This physician diagnosed FDR with congestive heart failure and hypertension, both seriously dangerous ailments, and suggested strict dietary, physical, mental, and medical changes to improve his condition. The president's own personal physician Dr. McIntire, however, refused to acknowledge these findings - he seemed to be in denial about the state of the president, as well as his own misjudgments. Almost no one who knew about FDR's fatal heart problems wanted to tell him about it, partly in fear and probably partly with good intentions (refer to the article on "How to Keep Well," that suggests that forgetting about an illness helps keep stress levels down), hoping that the president would continue on for his fourth term in office, no matter how numbered they knew that his days were. They recognized that Roosevelt needed to stay in office, for it was the climax of the war and no one wanted to lose him as a leader, no matter what it would do to his health. Roosevelt, however, possibly knew about the risks and would want to stay in office no matter what, because he wasn't about to take orders from any doctors and abandon his country in need - "he was in it for the duration."
Chapter Reflection:
In my opinion, it was the duty of the president's physicians to let him know the state of his health, especially as dire as it was, no matter what the outcome was. Even if all of the doctors felt that it wasn't there right to tell the president what he should do, they should have at least told him about his conditions and the suggestions they had to prolong his life, which I'm pretty sure he would have wanted to hear, even if to serve the term and better serve his country. McIntire's "look-see's" seemed almost too casual - shouldn't he have been paying better attention to one of the most important men in the world at the time? His employer?
Chapter 16: Lost-Found Nation: The Last Meeting between Elijah Muhammad and W.D. Fard
Chapter Summary:
This chapter explores the religion of the Nation of Islam, the rise to fame of an exotic, unexplainably compelling light skinned man by the name of Wallace Fard Muhammad. Muhammad gained much of his followers because of the time period in which he appeared, "a period of both intense disillusionment and radical religious departure within the black community," as well as the fact that more blacks, "ground down by poverty and embittered by continuing white intransigence, had begun to turn to new gods." No one exactly knows where Fard came from, or who he was, but the religion that he created became iconic - using Noble Drew Ali's religion as a jumping off point, he invented his own theology involving Europeans as "crude savages" and "black people as the "progenitors of civilization," whom had become "slavish imitations of their white masters" and whom Fard had come to empower and eliminate the white man altogether. Elijah Poole was a man who found his salvation with Fard and the Temple of Islam - he eventually became Fard's right hand man and kept the secret that Fard was the messiah (the incarnation of God on earth). However, once the general public found out (by Robert Harris's human sacrifice) about Fard's voodoo cult which included plans for an apocalyptic genocide of whites, leaving only a purified world made up of the "Original People," people began denouncing the faith left and right, as the people of Detroit were ashamed of its existence. Fard was arrested, and back and forth he went from imprisonment to disappearance to sneaking back in to revive his religion, to being arrested again, to finally denouncing his own faith, saying ti had all been a scheme to "get as much money out of it as he could." Mysteries still remain as to what happened to Wallace Fard Muhammad after he swore he would never return to Detroit, as well as what he told to his alleged successor Elijah Muhammad - did Elijah know of his faithful master's retraction? Was foul play involved? We may never know.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter made me uneasy, because of the mystery surrounding this "messiah." The religion kind of scared me, it seemed like a science-fiction made up movie or something that convinced black people to turn against all white people and want to kill them all to purify the world - very Holocaust/genocide. The very notion of a messiah, and especially what converts would do for him scares me especially, the ideas of cults and how people are drawn into what seems like such ridiculousness. I also was unsettled by the mystery which surrounded the disappearance of W.D. Fard and how did he just drop off the face of the earth? I'd like to learn more about it but I'd also not like to learn more about it...
This chapter explores the religion of the Nation of Islam, the rise to fame of an exotic, unexplainably compelling light skinned man by the name of Wallace Fard Muhammad. Muhammad gained much of his followers because of the time period in which he appeared, "a period of both intense disillusionment and radical religious departure within the black community," as well as the fact that more blacks, "ground down by poverty and embittered by continuing white intransigence, had begun to turn to new gods." No one exactly knows where Fard came from, or who he was, but the religion that he created became iconic - using Noble Drew Ali's religion as a jumping off point, he invented his own theology involving Europeans as "crude savages" and "black people as the "progenitors of civilization," whom had become "slavish imitations of their white masters" and whom Fard had come to empower and eliminate the white man altogether. Elijah Poole was a man who found his salvation with Fard and the Temple of Islam - he eventually became Fard's right hand man and kept the secret that Fard was the messiah (the incarnation of God on earth). However, once the general public found out (by Robert Harris's human sacrifice) about Fard's voodoo cult which included plans for an apocalyptic genocide of whites, leaving only a purified world made up of the "Original People," people began denouncing the faith left and right, as the people of Detroit were ashamed of its existence. Fard was arrested, and back and forth he went from imprisonment to disappearance to sneaking back in to revive his religion, to being arrested again, to finally denouncing his own faith, saying ti had all been a scheme to "get as much money out of it as he could." Mysteries still remain as to what happened to Wallace Fard Muhammad after he swore he would never return to Detroit, as well as what he told to his alleged successor Elijah Muhammad - did Elijah know of his faithful master's retraction? Was foul play involved? We may never know.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter made me uneasy, because of the mystery surrounding this "messiah." The religion kind of scared me, it seemed like a science-fiction made up movie or something that convinced black people to turn against all white people and want to kill them all to purify the world - very Holocaust/genocide. The very notion of a messiah, and especially what converts would do for him scares me especially, the ideas of cults and how people are drawn into what seems like such ridiculousness. I also was unsettled by the mystery which surrounded the disappearance of W.D. Fard and how did he just drop off the face of the earth? I'd like to learn more about it but I'd also not like to learn more about it...
Monday, September 2, 2013
Chapter 15: Trying John Scopes
Chapter Summary:
The events surrounding the trial of John Scopes seem to be entirely blown out of proportion. It began as a conspiracy of sorts among men to take on the Butler Act (antievolution law) by electing a defendant (Scopes) with the real intention of getting the town of Dayton some fame. The defendant was to be accused of violating the law by teaching from a textbook that used evolution in the study of biology, and in the process, hopefully spark a heated debate over science and religion, truth and faith - and what better way to heat it up then to set up two enemies against each other - William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution, and Clarence Darrow for the defense? The "sideshow" of the trial was less about "the actual arguments about evolution's viability or its compatibility with the teachings of the Bible" and more about the exploitation of a town and a simple matter of the law. Eventually the trial's focus was narrowed to simply a case "involving the fact as to whether or not a school teacher has taught a doctrine prohibited by stature," which Scopes obviously had. Evolution and the debate between science and religion was off the table. However, the defense rose that there "was no conflict between evolution and the Old Testament," and they "had expert witnesses to prove it." Although by now Scopes's guilt had basically already been established, the defense still wanted to try and prove "that evolution was compatible with the story of divine creation in the Bible," and therefore "show that its teaching was not a violation of the law." The prosecution argued that the people of Tennessee had already made their opinion clear in the passing of the Butler Act, and no amount of experts could change their mind. Then, in perhaps the most inspiring yet unknown event of the trial, defendant Malone made a powerful speech imploring that the next generation needed to be open to all knowledge, to all of the facts available, and not to succumb to fear. In the end, the judge ended up ruling against expert testimonies, eliminating the debate over evolution and finding Scopes guilty, with a fine of $100. It was as if the trial had never happened, but it was so publicized that it became a legacy in the debate over evolution.
Chapter Reflection:
I was actually confused about the whole point of this chapter: if no one actually debated about whether evolution went against the teachings of the Bible, then what was the point of the whole trial? Just so some guy could get fined a hundred dollars for simply teaching out of an outdated textbook? I understand the hype about the sensitive topic of evolution at that time, but it just seemed so pointless to me. I was also confused about who was working with who, because at the beginning it seemed as if the whole thing was orchestrated among a group of conspirators who knew what was going to happen, but in the end it didn't turn out the way they had planned.
The events surrounding the trial of John Scopes seem to be entirely blown out of proportion. It began as a conspiracy of sorts among men to take on the Butler Act (antievolution law) by electing a defendant (Scopes) with the real intention of getting the town of Dayton some fame. The defendant was to be accused of violating the law by teaching from a textbook that used evolution in the study of biology, and in the process, hopefully spark a heated debate over science and religion, truth and faith - and what better way to heat it up then to set up two enemies against each other - William Jennings Bryan for the prosecution, and Clarence Darrow for the defense? The "sideshow" of the trial was less about "the actual arguments about evolution's viability or its compatibility with the teachings of the Bible" and more about the exploitation of a town and a simple matter of the law. Eventually the trial's focus was narrowed to simply a case "involving the fact as to whether or not a school teacher has taught a doctrine prohibited by stature," which Scopes obviously had. Evolution and the debate between science and religion was off the table. However, the defense rose that there "was no conflict between evolution and the Old Testament," and they "had expert witnesses to prove it." Although by now Scopes's guilt had basically already been established, the defense still wanted to try and prove "that evolution was compatible with the story of divine creation in the Bible," and therefore "show that its teaching was not a violation of the law." The prosecution argued that the people of Tennessee had already made their opinion clear in the passing of the Butler Act, and no amount of experts could change their mind. Then, in perhaps the most inspiring yet unknown event of the trial, defendant Malone made a powerful speech imploring that the next generation needed to be open to all knowledge, to all of the facts available, and not to succumb to fear. In the end, the judge ended up ruling against expert testimonies, eliminating the debate over evolution and finding Scopes guilty, with a fine of $100. It was as if the trial had never happened, but it was so publicized that it became a legacy in the debate over evolution.
Chapter Reflection:
I was actually confused about the whole point of this chapter: if no one actually debated about whether evolution went against the teachings of the Bible, then what was the point of the whole trial? Just so some guy could get fined a hundred dollars for simply teaching out of an outdated textbook? I understand the hype about the sensitive topic of evolution at that time, but it just seemed so pointless to me. I was also confused about who was working with who, because at the beginning it seemed as if the whole thing was orchestrated among a group of conspirators who knew what was going to happen, but in the end it didn't turn out the way they had planned.
Chapter 14: The Road to Butgnéville-November 11, 1918
Chapter Summary:
This chapter discusses in detail the fighting that went on on the morning of November 11th, with the armistice to end World War I being signed. On the road to Butgnéville, France, the front lines of the Western Front were fighting a battle against the defeated, weak Germans. Negotiations with the Germans were under way, however the divisions fighting the German defensive line on the road between Saint-Hilaire and Butgnéville had no way of knowing the end of the war was upon them and obeyed their orders to keep attacking in order to clear the way for an attack upon Metz, a larger city close by. The narrator describes the journey of a friend's grandfather, Meyer Strauss, along the difficult and treacherous road to the front line of battle on the morning of November 11th, 1918. Once the armistice was signed, the message was sent out that the war was over, but because communication was difficult, the troops in the midst of battle along these roads in France had no idea, and the battle cost heavy casualties on both sides, as both Americans and Germans fought to the end, although suspicions of the end had been aroused. It was very hard to "call back..an attack in progress," but a ceasefire was finally called at 11:00, and the Germans celebrated immediately. Fireworks were set off, cigarettes were smoked, beers were drank, symbolizing the celebration and ushering in of a hopefully new era of peace. The soldiers really believed "that their sacrifices were worthwhile, that their mission really had been accomplished," but the narrator questions this almost too good to be true ending.. Were the casualties really necessary, even though the armistice had already been signed? Why was the wait so long to inform the troops of the decision? Would the Americans have called off their attacks if they had known? And most importantly, did this almost half-defeat plant the seeds of the next war, because the Germans were not fully defeated and came back for revenge?
Chapter Reflection:
The questions raised by the narrator after the retelling of the story were very thought provoking to me: if the Germans had felt fully defeated, would they have been less likely to look for revenge later on? Maybe they would have been shamed into submission...
I also liked how the narrator put a personal touch on it by imagining his friend's grandfather in the midst of the iconic battle, and the end to the great war. Something that surprised me was the way the Germans and Americans fraternized and "shook hands and made up," when minutes before, they had been shooting to kill one another. It was astounding to me that one order could make them all friendly towards one another in a matter of minutes.
At certain times during the story, however, I was lost - I had no idea who was fighting who or where or why and I wish it could have been a little bit more specifically focused on a single event in a single place, or at least explained a little better.
This chapter discusses in detail the fighting that went on on the morning of November 11th, with the armistice to end World War I being signed. On the road to Butgnéville, France, the front lines of the Western Front were fighting a battle against the defeated, weak Germans. Negotiations with the Germans were under way, however the divisions fighting the German defensive line on the road between Saint-Hilaire and Butgnéville had no way of knowing the end of the war was upon them and obeyed their orders to keep attacking in order to clear the way for an attack upon Metz, a larger city close by. The narrator describes the journey of a friend's grandfather, Meyer Strauss, along the difficult and treacherous road to the front line of battle on the morning of November 11th, 1918. Once the armistice was signed, the message was sent out that the war was over, but because communication was difficult, the troops in the midst of battle along these roads in France had no idea, and the battle cost heavy casualties on both sides, as both Americans and Germans fought to the end, although suspicions of the end had been aroused. It was very hard to "call back..an attack in progress," but a ceasefire was finally called at 11:00, and the Germans celebrated immediately. Fireworks were set off, cigarettes were smoked, beers were drank, symbolizing the celebration and ushering in of a hopefully new era of peace. The soldiers really believed "that their sacrifices were worthwhile, that their mission really had been accomplished," but the narrator questions this almost too good to be true ending.. Were the casualties really necessary, even though the armistice had already been signed? Why was the wait so long to inform the troops of the decision? Would the Americans have called off their attacks if they had known? And most importantly, did this almost half-defeat plant the seeds of the next war, because the Germans were not fully defeated and came back for revenge?
Chapter Reflection:
The questions raised by the narrator after the retelling of the story were very thought provoking to me: if the Germans had felt fully defeated, would they have been less likely to look for revenge later on? Maybe they would have been shamed into submission...
I also liked how the narrator put a personal touch on it by imagining his friend's grandfather in the midst of the iconic battle, and the end to the great war. Something that surprised me was the way the Germans and Americans fraternized and "shook hands and made up," when minutes before, they had been shooting to kill one another. It was astounding to me that one order could make them all friendly towards one another in a matter of minutes.
At certain times during the story, however, I was lost - I had no idea who was fighting who or where or why and I wish it could have been a little bit more specifically focused on a single event in a single place, or at least explained a little better.
Chapter 13: La Follette Speaks against the War - 1917
Chapter Summary:
The neutrality of the United States during the "Old World's quarrels" was upheld by President Wilson for as long as possible, until German submarines resumed their "unrestricted submarine warfare" upon innocent Americans. The German government did draw a zone "within which any neutral ship might be attacked by surprise," yet the United States was still shocked to anger by the sinking of American merchant ships in the free-fire zone. This combined with the Zimmerman note outraged the American public, turning them from peaceful, war-opposed people into "hysterical supporters of an all-out war." La Follette, already infamous for having blocked the passing of the Armed Ship Bill with a filibuster, was planning to speak out in opposition to the war, along with a handful of others at the Senate meeting on April 4th, 1917. Many arguments were made, most supporting the war, such as President Wilson's, reminding them about "Germany's history of unprovoked and murderous attacks on peaceful United States ships and passengers exercising their right to travel on the high seas," as well as a more general "preservation and extension of freedom from autocracy and militarism around the globe." Other arguments pressed the importance of "[securing] the world's peace," as well as upholding democracy and the will of a free people.
The rare antiwar speakers spoke of a "cruel sacrifice of lives for no worthwhile purpose" while the people who would actually benefit were "comfortably ensconced in a bomb proof position." The war would only benefit the rich bankers who made loans to Allied nations, who would be guaranteed repayment by a victory, while the poor people on the battle lines were the real ones who suffered. People supporting the war became more and more restless until the pariah, La Follette, took the stage. He raised many questions towards the President's authority, the majority vs. the minority's opinions, the necessity of the imposition of democracy, and even how much America really had to do with the war. Although La Follette's speech caused him to be politically ostracized, the narrator speaks of the devastating effects of the war that could have theoretically been avoided had the Senate and the general public listened to La Follette's pleas for "the poor...the ones called upon to rot in the trenches," who "have no organized power, have to press to voice their will upon [the] question of peace or war."
Chapter Reflection:
The impact of these debates really hit me - as the narrator explains, the members of the Senate were "dictating tragedy for generations yet unborn, our own and those of our children and our children's children included." If only the war-crazed men could look past their anger and blinding nationalism to see the real consequences that this action could-and would-bring. The voices of the poor and oppressed could not be heard, it did not matter whether they wanted peace or not, the only people whose opinions mattered were the only ones who could possible benefit from such an undertaking. Pride, honor, and "national interest" were so important in these people's minds that they forgot about "who suffers most in war," and "who pays" in the end.
The neutrality of the United States during the "Old World's quarrels" was upheld by President Wilson for as long as possible, until German submarines resumed their "unrestricted submarine warfare" upon innocent Americans. The German government did draw a zone "within which any neutral ship might be attacked by surprise," yet the United States was still shocked to anger by the sinking of American merchant ships in the free-fire zone. This combined with the Zimmerman note outraged the American public, turning them from peaceful, war-opposed people into "hysterical supporters of an all-out war." La Follette, already infamous for having blocked the passing of the Armed Ship Bill with a filibuster, was planning to speak out in opposition to the war, along with a handful of others at the Senate meeting on April 4th, 1917. Many arguments were made, most supporting the war, such as President Wilson's, reminding them about "Germany's history of unprovoked and murderous attacks on peaceful United States ships and passengers exercising their right to travel on the high seas," as well as a more general "preservation and extension of freedom from autocracy and militarism around the globe." Other arguments pressed the importance of "[securing] the world's peace," as well as upholding democracy and the will of a free people.
The rare antiwar speakers spoke of a "cruel sacrifice of lives for no worthwhile purpose" while the people who would actually benefit were "comfortably ensconced in a bomb proof position." The war would only benefit the rich bankers who made loans to Allied nations, who would be guaranteed repayment by a victory, while the poor people on the battle lines were the real ones who suffered. People supporting the war became more and more restless until the pariah, La Follette, took the stage. He raised many questions towards the President's authority, the majority vs. the minority's opinions, the necessity of the imposition of democracy, and even how much America really had to do with the war. Although La Follette's speech caused him to be politically ostracized, the narrator speaks of the devastating effects of the war that could have theoretically been avoided had the Senate and the general public listened to La Follette's pleas for "the poor...the ones called upon to rot in the trenches," who "have no organized power, have to press to voice their will upon [the] question of peace or war."
Chapter Reflection:
The impact of these debates really hit me - as the narrator explains, the members of the Senate were "dictating tragedy for generations yet unborn, our own and those of our children and our children's children included." If only the war-crazed men could look past their anger and blinding nationalism to see the real consequences that this action could-and would-bring. The voices of the poor and oppressed could not be heard, it did not matter whether they wanted peace or not, the only people whose opinions mattered were the only ones who could possible benefit from such an undertaking. Pride, honor, and "national interest" were so important in these people's minds that they forgot about "who suffers most in war," and "who pays" in the end.
Chapter 12: Chief Joseph Surrenders
Chapter Summary:
Five bands of the Nez Perce Indians, being forced illegally by General Howard onto a reservation, in order to retain their freedom, were fleeing to Canada. They led Howard and his army on a 15 hundred mile wild goose chase towards the border, which led to the Bear Paw Mountains on September 30th, 1877 - the Nez Perce were two days from freedom in Canada, when they decided to stop and set up camp. General Miles and his troops, however, was attacking them from the east. The soldiers drove the horses away from the camp, trapping most of the men, women, and children in the valley with no way to escape. Chief Joseph, a leader of one of the tribes, sends his daughter away on horseback and stays behind to help the people he is responsible for. A standoff occurs between the sharpshooting Indians and the multitude of white soldiers - casualties occur on both sides, but the Nez Perce fight back with force. Miles knows that he cannot keep sacrificing his troops to try and take the camp. He wanted to be known as a hero, for defeating the Nez Perce as well as triumphing over his rival General Howard, and he knew that with a high death toll, his reputation would be ruined. He attempted to "coax the Indians into surrender," as the tribes dug shelters and rifle pits to protect them from the attacks. Chief Joseph, a relatively young chief, went to speak to General Miles under a flag of truce - it didn't go as well as Miles had hoped, and as Joseph tried to go back, Miles unfairly took him as prisoner, but had to relinquish his hostage in return for his second in command. More and more obstacles piled up against the Nez Perce, as supplies came for Miles' troops (specifically a dangerous cannon), elder chief Looking Glass was killed, and finally General Howard's army caught up and joined Miles'. Joseph, feeling hopeless, sent for a scout to inform the soldiers of his surrender - the scout translated the message back to a smug, impatient Miles, while an aspiring literary soldier "casually scribbled down some phrases that the interpreters used as the scouts spoke," which is the only record of Joseph's eloquent, passionate, iconic surrender speech. "Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." General Howard reluctantly let the pompous Miles take the credit for the surrender, as General Miles received Chief Joseph's rifle as the final symbol.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was one of my favorite chapters because of the imagery and earthy, somewhat humorous (to me at least) descriptions of the subplots of the battles and the men involved. I loved the way the narrator explained General Howard and General Miles' strife - the snooty, I-told-you-so manner of Miles and the "oh God please let me watch this man "preen and strut" without killing him" way of General Howard. The way he seemed to get inside each of the character's heads really appealed to me. They seemed like real people. Something that surprised me that I would like to learn more about was the fact that the Cheyenne Indians were on Miles's side and that they were basically killing their own people? Some of my favorite quotes were the narrator's description of the Nez Perce story: it "powerfully evokes the slow suffocation and final, desperate thrashing of a dying society."
Five bands of the Nez Perce Indians, being forced illegally by General Howard onto a reservation, in order to retain their freedom, were fleeing to Canada. They led Howard and his army on a 15 hundred mile wild goose chase towards the border, which led to the Bear Paw Mountains on September 30th, 1877 - the Nez Perce were two days from freedom in Canada, when they decided to stop and set up camp. General Miles and his troops, however, was attacking them from the east. The soldiers drove the horses away from the camp, trapping most of the men, women, and children in the valley with no way to escape. Chief Joseph, a leader of one of the tribes, sends his daughter away on horseback and stays behind to help the people he is responsible for. A standoff occurs between the sharpshooting Indians and the multitude of white soldiers - casualties occur on both sides, but the Nez Perce fight back with force. Miles knows that he cannot keep sacrificing his troops to try and take the camp. He wanted to be known as a hero, for defeating the Nez Perce as well as triumphing over his rival General Howard, and he knew that with a high death toll, his reputation would be ruined. He attempted to "coax the Indians into surrender," as the tribes dug shelters and rifle pits to protect them from the attacks. Chief Joseph, a relatively young chief, went to speak to General Miles under a flag of truce - it didn't go as well as Miles had hoped, and as Joseph tried to go back, Miles unfairly took him as prisoner, but had to relinquish his hostage in return for his second in command. More and more obstacles piled up against the Nez Perce, as supplies came for Miles' troops (specifically a dangerous cannon), elder chief Looking Glass was killed, and finally General Howard's army caught up and joined Miles'. Joseph, feeling hopeless, sent for a scout to inform the soldiers of his surrender - the scout translated the message back to a smug, impatient Miles, while an aspiring literary soldier "casually scribbled down some phrases that the interpreters used as the scouts spoke," which is the only record of Joseph's eloquent, passionate, iconic surrender speech. "Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever." General Howard reluctantly let the pompous Miles take the credit for the surrender, as General Miles received Chief Joseph's rifle as the final symbol.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was one of my favorite chapters because of the imagery and earthy, somewhat humorous (to me at least) descriptions of the subplots of the battles and the men involved. I loved the way the narrator explained General Howard and General Miles' strife - the snooty, I-told-you-so manner of Miles and the "oh God please let me watch this man "preen and strut" without killing him" way of General Howard. The way he seemed to get inside each of the character's heads really appealed to me. They seemed like real people. Something that surprised me that I would like to learn more about was the fact that the Cheyenne Indians were on Miles's side and that they were basically killing their own people? Some of my favorite quotes were the narrator's description of the Nez Perce story: it "powerfully evokes the slow suffocation and final, desperate thrashing of a dying society."
Chapter 11: The Day Lincoln Was Shot
Chapter Summary:
This chapter outlines the state of the Union before, during and after the assassination of President Lincoln. As the nation was filled with hope after the surrender at Appomattox, Lincoln seemed exhausted and grave, seemingly weighed down by his guild and remorse, but especially the questions about the future of the united nation that he had worked so hard to achieve (namely Reconstruction). He was determined that the country be united, a civil government be formed again in the South, guerilla warfare be avoided, and "hate and vindictiveness" be eradicated. On the fateful day of April 14th, 1865, Lincoln seemed to be in lighter spirits, and he accompanied his wife to a comedy called Our American Cousin. In a planned assault upon the government of the Union, three attacks were supposed to take place: the murder of Lincoln, secretary of state William Seward, and vice president Andrew Johnson. Only Lincoln was killed. The Northern capital was plagued with fear, devastation, grief, and anxiety - what would happen now that their leader was dead? Would the Confederate armies take advantage of their turmoil? Would they resort to guerilla warfare? Would the cabinet be forced to revert from a constitutional form of government? Lincoln's death "brought the nation uneasily to a crossroads of its postwar future." The President's cabinet surrounded him on his deathbed, absolutely stricken with grief, as Secretary of War Edwin Stanton basically became the interim president, issuing orders and organizing the manhunt for the conspirators. The nation was led "into the uncertain future that Abraham Lincoln had so desperately sought to control." The narrator goes on to explain how "the nation somehow weathered the storm:" the cabinet appointed Andrew Johnson as president, the assassins were tried, they averted the dreaded guerilla war, and Lincoln's postwar policies were generally adhered to.
Chapter Reflection:
The narrator's admirative description of President Lincoln made me wish I had been there to see him "in all his grandeur and humanity" as well. I could understand and feel the terrible impact that his death must have had upon the members of his cabinet, who must have been reeling with this sudden responsibility thrust upon them in the midst of the ending of a war, and the people, who were optimistic yet anxious about their futures but who mostly had faith that Lincoln would guide them through their tough times. The Union had lost their leader - without him, they were lost. I loved the narrator's quote about leaders: "it is only the truly great ones who act great during the difficult times." Lincoln kept his composure and his eloquence to his dying moment, and from what I read I could see the impact he had upon everyone who knew him personally and even all those who didn't. They loved him, they respected him, they looked up to him.
Chapter 10: With John Brown at Harpers Ferry
Chapter Summary:
John Brown, a fiery, crazed, violent, faith-driven abolitionist who, with his five sons, murdered five unarmed men in order to "instill fear in proslavery Americans everywhere," had formed another plot to cause a slave insurrection all across the South: "seize the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry with its twenty thousand rifles and distribute them to a slave army" that he "will lead in a war of emancipation." Although he later denies his violent means, his supposed God-given plan was to gather a slave army (and hopefully antislavery whites who "[heard] the electrifying news that weapons of liberation [were] waiting for them") and slaughter slave-owners all throughout the South, getting revenge upon all the evil supporters of slavery with a widespread statement of violence - terrorism, if you will. His plan was backed by wealthy antislavery men from Massachusetts called the "Secret Six." On the night of October 16th, 1859, Brown leads his followers into the town of Harpers Ferry, armed with weapons, and barricade the bridges that connect the town to the major cities. They then take possession of the federal armory and take multiple hostages. The news of their siege quickly moves to the surrounding cities and the townspeople, most of whom (black and white) flee immediately. Militiamen soon surround the insurgents and barricade them within the towns, as casualties on both sides accrue. General Robert E. Lee is called in by President Buchanan to end the uprising - he orders marines to storm the firehouse, where Brown and his followers have hidden themselves, and Brown is knocked unconscious while the hostages are freed and most of his followers are killed. Once captured, Brown lies about his intentions, saying he simply wanted to free the slaves, and he eventually was made a martyr: a hero inspired by God for a just cause. The fact that Brown's plan was backed by wealthy abolitionists in the North furthered the divide between the North and South.
Chapter Reflection:
Everything about John Brown's plan seems to be contradictory and not very well thought out. He was overzealous in his faith and hate and he was less than ideal as a real military leader, constantly making the wrong decision that would come back to destroy him in the end. It also amazes me how little Brown's followers really knew about his plan, and how blindly they were convinced by his religious fanaticism and passion. Brown's statement "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin," although greatly abhorred by many people, rings unfortunately true in American history - the narrator is right, so many other nations abolished slavery peacefully, while we had a bloody war.
John Brown, a fiery, crazed, violent, faith-driven abolitionist who, with his five sons, murdered five unarmed men in order to "instill fear in proslavery Americans everywhere," had formed another plot to cause a slave insurrection all across the South: "seize the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry with its twenty thousand rifles and distribute them to a slave army" that he "will lead in a war of emancipation." Although he later denies his violent means, his supposed God-given plan was to gather a slave army (and hopefully antislavery whites who "[heard] the electrifying news that weapons of liberation [were] waiting for them") and slaughter slave-owners all throughout the South, getting revenge upon all the evil supporters of slavery with a widespread statement of violence - terrorism, if you will. His plan was backed by wealthy antislavery men from Massachusetts called the "Secret Six." On the night of October 16th, 1859, Brown leads his followers into the town of Harpers Ferry, armed with weapons, and barricade the bridges that connect the town to the major cities. They then take possession of the federal armory and take multiple hostages. The news of their siege quickly moves to the surrounding cities and the townspeople, most of whom (black and white) flee immediately. Militiamen soon surround the insurgents and barricade them within the towns, as casualties on both sides accrue. General Robert E. Lee is called in by President Buchanan to end the uprising - he orders marines to storm the firehouse, where Brown and his followers have hidden themselves, and Brown is knocked unconscious while the hostages are freed and most of his followers are killed. Once captured, Brown lies about his intentions, saying he simply wanted to free the slaves, and he eventually was made a martyr: a hero inspired by God for a just cause. The fact that Brown's plan was backed by wealthy abolitionists in the North furthered the divide between the North and South.
Chapter Reflection:
Everything about John Brown's plan seems to be contradictory and not very well thought out. He was overzealous in his faith and hate and he was less than ideal as a real military leader, constantly making the wrong decision that would come back to destroy him in the end. It also amazes me how little Brown's followers really knew about his plan, and how blindly they were convinced by his religious fanaticism and passion. Brown's statement "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin," although greatly abhorred by many people, rings unfortunately true in American history - the narrator is right, so many other nations abolished slavery peacefully, while we had a bloody war.
Chapter 9: Jenny Lind's American Debut, 1850
Chapter Summary:
This chapter dramatically depicts Swedish singing sensation Jenny Lind's rise to fame in America, orchestrated by the respected showman and businessman P.T. Barnum. It begins with Barnum's vision: bring the angelic, saintly singer with the beautiful soprano to America, which was desperately in need of a distraction from a time of political tension and "sectional hostility," and take New York by storm, making himself "famously rich," and hopefully procuring him some respectability. It describes Lind's selflessness, her independence, and her "purity of nature," in her journey to a new place (the "musical wilderness" of America), in the hands of a pragmatic businessman who could make or break her. Her arrival to America was greatly celebrated, and her debut show amazingly publicized and anticipated. "The enthusiasm for Lind surpassed anything that New York City had ever seen before," as her charming and innocent image dominated the streets, before anyone had even heard her sing. Her embodiment of the nightingale, the songbird, appealed to the romanticism of the era, the "intense interest in the faraway, the exotic." As the auctions for tickets to her debut show sold for unheard of amounts, Barnum increased Lind's profits (which she eventually graciously and humbly gave to charities around New York). The narrator's passion for drama and emotion in the description of the performance is inspiring - she brings the audience to tears, then to their feet in a rousing standing ovation, making perhaps the greatest impact any singer has ever made on the public in history.
Chapter Reflection:
I absolutely loved the narrator's description of Lind and her performance - it gave me chills to read. Some quotes that stood out to me were when he described the experience as "one of the most thrilling moments in the history of American music. The entire audience feels bound together in heightened expectation." The reviews of the awestruck viewers made me understand more fully the deep impact that she and her image had upon the nation of America. She was a savior of sorts to the city - and Barnum orchestrated the entire thing, staying down to earth himself (seemingly) and keeping his client humble as well (although that was her nature). His idea and his execution were imperative in this beautiful, inspiring event in history.
This chapter dramatically depicts Swedish singing sensation Jenny Lind's rise to fame in America, orchestrated by the respected showman and businessman P.T. Barnum. It begins with Barnum's vision: bring the angelic, saintly singer with the beautiful soprano to America, which was desperately in need of a distraction from a time of political tension and "sectional hostility," and take New York by storm, making himself "famously rich," and hopefully procuring him some respectability. It describes Lind's selflessness, her independence, and her "purity of nature," in her journey to a new place (the "musical wilderness" of America), in the hands of a pragmatic businessman who could make or break her. Her arrival to America was greatly celebrated, and her debut show amazingly publicized and anticipated. "The enthusiasm for Lind surpassed anything that New York City had ever seen before," as her charming and innocent image dominated the streets, before anyone had even heard her sing. Her embodiment of the nightingale, the songbird, appealed to the romanticism of the era, the "intense interest in the faraway, the exotic." As the auctions for tickets to her debut show sold for unheard of amounts, Barnum increased Lind's profits (which she eventually graciously and humbly gave to charities around New York). The narrator's passion for drama and emotion in the description of the performance is inspiring - she brings the audience to tears, then to their feet in a rousing standing ovation, making perhaps the greatest impact any singer has ever made on the public in history.
Chapter Reflection:
I absolutely loved the narrator's description of Lind and her performance - it gave me chills to read. Some quotes that stood out to me were when he described the experience as "one of the most thrilling moments in the history of American music. The entire audience feels bound together in heightened expectation." The reviews of the awestruck viewers made me understand more fully the deep impact that she and her image had upon the nation of America. She was a savior of sorts to the city - and Barnum orchestrated the entire thing, staying down to earth himself (seemingly) and keeping his client humble as well (although that was her nature). His idea and his execution were imperative in this beautiful, inspiring event in history.
Chapter 8: James K. Polk and the 1844 Election
Chapter Summary:
This chapter revolves around the chaos in the Democratic party after the "Peacemaker" explosion in February of 1844, and the successive Democratic national convention in Baltimore to nominate a new presidential candidate. The Peacemaker explosion, which killed the secretary of state and the navy, brought to light the issues of the annexation of Texas and the settlement of the Oregon boundary. These issues caused a movement between the South and West against the Northern democracy, as well as doubt among the supporters of Van Buren, which could clear the way for a Southern candidate. Van Buren, a leader of the Democratic party, announced his intent to oppose the immediate annexation of Texas, effectively beginning the demise of his political career in the Democrat party. James K. Polk, who printed a letter favoring an immediate annexation of Texas, emerged as a new face whom "Northern Democrats could support if Van Buren should be cast aside." Only by uniting on a single candidate who favored the annexation of Texas "could the party be saved." Thus marked the split within the Democratic party, where Polk, a long time supporter of Van Buren, surpassed his old generation to bring about a new one. As the convention began, the Democratic party became more and more "distracted, divided, and leaderless," and Polk emerged as a unifying force for the party. Polk's supporters knew that the only way to fix the Democrats was to introduce a single, pro-annexation candidate, but there were so many other presidential hopefuls in the running that the introduction of a two-thirds vote dead-locked the convention - the votes of seven inconclusive ballots were divided between the declining Van Buren, and Cass. Polk's allies took advantage of the standstill and introduced his name for the presidency, working behind the scenes to get the delegations one by one to vote unanimously for Polk, even the stubborn Van Buren supporters. The entire convention eventually rallied behind Polk, a completely surprising nomination that threw everyone off. According to the ecstatic delegates, "the clouds that had hung over the convention had dissipated and the 'star of democracy' shone forth bright and clear for Polk."
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was extremely confusing to me, as the narrator kept introducing new people and new parties, none of whom I knew or understood. Without extensive background knowledge, I had no idea what parties had which feelings towards certain events, and I was lost as to exactly why the party was divided in the first place. I can understand why Polk was elected somewhat, he was like a "beacon of hope" of sorts who emerged out of the blue and provided a much needed unifying figure among the chaos and resignation of the party. However, I would like to know more about why Van Buren's administration and supporters rapidly declined, as well as how Polk's friends specifically convinced all of the delegates to vote unanimously for him
This chapter revolves around the chaos in the Democratic party after the "Peacemaker" explosion in February of 1844, and the successive Democratic national convention in Baltimore to nominate a new presidential candidate. The Peacemaker explosion, which killed the secretary of state and the navy, brought to light the issues of the annexation of Texas and the settlement of the Oregon boundary. These issues caused a movement between the South and West against the Northern democracy, as well as doubt among the supporters of Van Buren, which could clear the way for a Southern candidate. Van Buren, a leader of the Democratic party, announced his intent to oppose the immediate annexation of Texas, effectively beginning the demise of his political career in the Democrat party. James K. Polk, who printed a letter favoring an immediate annexation of Texas, emerged as a new face whom "Northern Democrats could support if Van Buren should be cast aside." Only by uniting on a single candidate who favored the annexation of Texas "could the party be saved." Thus marked the split within the Democratic party, where Polk, a long time supporter of Van Buren, surpassed his old generation to bring about a new one. As the convention began, the Democratic party became more and more "distracted, divided, and leaderless," and Polk emerged as a unifying force for the party. Polk's supporters knew that the only way to fix the Democrats was to introduce a single, pro-annexation candidate, but there were so many other presidential hopefuls in the running that the introduction of a two-thirds vote dead-locked the convention - the votes of seven inconclusive ballots were divided between the declining Van Buren, and Cass. Polk's allies took advantage of the standstill and introduced his name for the presidency, working behind the scenes to get the delegations one by one to vote unanimously for Polk, even the stubborn Van Buren supporters. The entire convention eventually rallied behind Polk, a completely surprising nomination that threw everyone off. According to the ecstatic delegates, "the clouds that had hung over the convention had dissipated and the 'star of democracy' shone forth bright and clear for Polk."
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was extremely confusing to me, as the narrator kept introducing new people and new parties, none of whom I knew or understood. Without extensive background knowledge, I had no idea what parties had which feelings towards certain events, and I was lost as to exactly why the party was divided in the first place. I can understand why Polk was elected somewhat, he was like a "beacon of hope" of sorts who emerged out of the blue and provided a much needed unifying figure among the chaos and resignation of the party. However, I would like to know more about why Van Buren's administration and supporters rapidly declined, as well as how Polk's friends specifically convinced all of the delegates to vote unanimously for him
Chapter 7: The Amistad Trial
Chapter Summary:
This chapter outlines the struggle for justice in a battle against oppressive political authority and the "slavocracy," as well as the personal struggle for John Quincy Adams to find the time and willpower to defend the African captives of the Amistad. The chapter begins with the background of the trial: Africans on a Spanish slave ship to Cuba seized control of the ship by murdering much of the crew, but then were misled by surviving crew members to the American shores, where they were taken captive and imprisoned while "they awaited a decision by the United States government on their fate-would it be slavery or freedom?" On one hand, the Spanish and the South wanted the slaves to be declared property and returned to their Spanish owners. This was heavily opposed by abolitionists who argued that they were free human beings by the law of nature, which upset the states where slavery was legal. Martin Van Buren, president at the time, needed to gain Southern support, so his party demanded that they surrender to slavery. Opposition by antislavery activists caused a trial in the Supreme Court. The defendants recruited John Quincy Adams as their spokesperson. Adams fervently opposed Van Buren's "slavocracy," but he had much trouble making the time, amid his multitude of other commitments, to devote to the case. He was "sure of the justice of [his] cause, and deeply desponding of [his] ability to sustain it." While the trial kept getting postponed, Adams became more and more anxious about his upcoming address. Once the trial finally began, with the help of his colleague Roger S. Baldwin, Adams spent 2 days "denouncing Van Buren's administration for seeing to rush the Amistad's captives into the arms of Spain and the chains of slavery." He also emphasized the importance of freedom for all humans under natural law. The Court's decision was eventually in favor of Adams' and Baldwin's defense, and the captives were declared free persons.
Chapter Reflection:
Adams' internal struggle was really interesting to me because I felt his passion on the issue that he was defending, but it seemed that he had a whirlwind of things going on in his world and in his mind that it seemed so hard for him to concentrate his passion and his zeal onto one thing. He seemed to be pulled in too many different directions. He knew the weight of his task, and he felt strongly about the freedom and rights of humans in America, but I think his motivations were guided mostly by his hatred of the Van Buren administration's oppression and corruption. I was a little bit lost during JQA's final address to the court, I would like to have that explained a little bit more so that I could really understand what made it so moving.
This chapter outlines the struggle for justice in a battle against oppressive political authority and the "slavocracy," as well as the personal struggle for John Quincy Adams to find the time and willpower to defend the African captives of the Amistad. The chapter begins with the background of the trial: Africans on a Spanish slave ship to Cuba seized control of the ship by murdering much of the crew, but then were misled by surviving crew members to the American shores, where they were taken captive and imprisoned while "they awaited a decision by the United States government on their fate-would it be slavery or freedom?" On one hand, the Spanish and the South wanted the slaves to be declared property and returned to their Spanish owners. This was heavily opposed by abolitionists who argued that they were free human beings by the law of nature, which upset the states where slavery was legal. Martin Van Buren, president at the time, needed to gain Southern support, so his party demanded that they surrender to slavery. Opposition by antislavery activists caused a trial in the Supreme Court. The defendants recruited John Quincy Adams as their spokesperson. Adams fervently opposed Van Buren's "slavocracy," but he had much trouble making the time, amid his multitude of other commitments, to devote to the case. He was "sure of the justice of [his] cause, and deeply desponding of [his] ability to sustain it." While the trial kept getting postponed, Adams became more and more anxious about his upcoming address. Once the trial finally began, with the help of his colleague Roger S. Baldwin, Adams spent 2 days "denouncing Van Buren's administration for seeing to rush the Amistad's captives into the arms of Spain and the chains of slavery." He also emphasized the importance of freedom for all humans under natural law. The Court's decision was eventually in favor of Adams' and Baldwin's defense, and the captives were declared free persons.
Chapter Reflection:
Adams' internal struggle was really interesting to me because I felt his passion on the issue that he was defending, but it seemed that he had a whirlwind of things going on in his world and in his mind that it seemed so hard for him to concentrate his passion and his zeal onto one thing. He seemed to be pulled in too many different directions. He knew the weight of his task, and he felt strongly about the freedom and rights of humans in America, but I think his motivations were guided mostly by his hatred of the Van Buren administration's oppression and corruption. I was a little bit lost during JQA's final address to the court, I would like to have that explained a little bit more so that I could really understand what made it so moving.
Chapter 6: The Corrupt Bargain
Chapter Summary:
This chapter begins with Andrew Jackson's accusation of his presidency being taken away by a "corrupt bargain" between secretary of state John Quincy Adams and Speaker of the House of Representatives Henry Clay. It speaks about a caucus among Republican members of Congress to elect a president, who nominated a sick William H. Crawford. Other nominees included Jackson, Adams, and Clay. The outcome of the election seemed certain: no candidate would receive a majority vote, so the choice would be given to the H of R, where each state would have one vote - 13 votes (majority) would win the election (according to the 12th Amendment). After the fall election, Clay was eliminated, and given the responsibility of deciding who would be the next president, as Speaker of the House. Clay saw Jackson as a "military chieftain," a future Napoleon, and if he was elected it would be "a triumph of the military over the civilian authority," even a triumph over "the liberties of the people." Strongly opposed to Jackson, with Crawford out of the picture, although he had disliked Adams' character in the past, he shared common interests with the secretary of state. He believed that if he elected Adams as president and Adams shared his agenda, a "coalition would be formed...that would guarantee passage of his American System and place [him] in line for the presidency." He needed to make sure that Adams shared his beliefs, so he arranged a meeting to discuss future endeavors. He shared with Adams that he favored him over the other candidates, and that he would support Adams if it could be useful to him.
In the election, Clay overturned the Kentucky legislature's vote for the western candidate (Jackson) and announced their support of Adams, despite Adams having gotten not one vote from Kentucky in the fall election. No candidate ended up having a majority, and when it came to the House to choose, Adams won on the first ballot. Adams nominated Clay as his chief of staff, furthering suspicions of corruption, and as the final straw, Clay accepted the position, as his dream was to become the president of the United States.
Chapter Reflection:
There seems to me to be overwhelming evidence of suspicion that Henry Clay used "his enormous influence in the House of Representatives to induce the members to vote for Adams as president in return for which Adams would appoint Clay as his secretary of state, an office that had traditionally led straight to the White House." I understood their motives, and I feel it unjust that simply because Clay has a position of influence that he could convince the House to overturn the peoples' choice. That obviously goes against the principles of democracy. I liked Jackson's quote: "The Judas of the West has closed the contract and will receive the thirty pieces of silver." It reinforces the traitorous corruption and makes it seem more evil. Jesus = the voting population? I would like to learn more about this event, because I was confused in some parts about the election process and I would like to be better informed.
This chapter begins with Andrew Jackson's accusation of his presidency being taken away by a "corrupt bargain" between secretary of state John Quincy Adams and Speaker of the House of Representatives Henry Clay. It speaks about a caucus among Republican members of Congress to elect a president, who nominated a sick William H. Crawford. Other nominees included Jackson, Adams, and Clay. The outcome of the election seemed certain: no candidate would receive a majority vote, so the choice would be given to the H of R, where each state would have one vote - 13 votes (majority) would win the election (according to the 12th Amendment). After the fall election, Clay was eliminated, and given the responsibility of deciding who would be the next president, as Speaker of the House. Clay saw Jackson as a "military chieftain," a future Napoleon, and if he was elected it would be "a triumph of the military over the civilian authority," even a triumph over "the liberties of the people." Strongly opposed to Jackson, with Crawford out of the picture, although he had disliked Adams' character in the past, he shared common interests with the secretary of state. He believed that if he elected Adams as president and Adams shared his agenda, a "coalition would be formed...that would guarantee passage of his American System and place [him] in line for the presidency." He needed to make sure that Adams shared his beliefs, so he arranged a meeting to discuss future endeavors. He shared with Adams that he favored him over the other candidates, and that he would support Adams if it could be useful to him.
In the election, Clay overturned the Kentucky legislature's vote for the western candidate (Jackson) and announced their support of Adams, despite Adams having gotten not one vote from Kentucky in the fall election. No candidate ended up having a majority, and when it came to the House to choose, Adams won on the first ballot. Adams nominated Clay as his chief of staff, furthering suspicions of corruption, and as the final straw, Clay accepted the position, as his dream was to become the president of the United States.
Chapter Reflection:
There seems to me to be overwhelming evidence of suspicion that Henry Clay used "his enormous influence in the House of Representatives to induce the members to vote for Adams as president in return for which Adams would appoint Clay as his secretary of state, an office that had traditionally led straight to the White House." I understood their motives, and I feel it unjust that simply because Clay has a position of influence that he could convince the House to overturn the peoples' choice. That obviously goes against the principles of democracy. I liked Jackson's quote: "The Judas of the West has closed the contract and will receive the thirty pieces of silver." It reinforces the traitorous corruption and makes it seem more evil. Jesus = the voting population? I would like to learn more about this event, because I was confused in some parts about the election process and I would like to be better informed.
Chapter 5: Meriwether Lewis on the Divide
Chapter Summary:
This chapter describes the journey of Meriwether Lewis into the heart of the Shoshone tribe, crossing barriers such as communication and cultural uncertainties to discover something in himself. Lewis, McNeal, Drouillard, and Shields were seeking horses to transport their group of explorers towards the Northwest Passage. They were lost, however, and their only option was to get directions from the Shoshone Indian tribe. When he comes across 2 Shoshone women, he gives them gifts as a display of peace, and they graciously lead him towards the camp. Warriors rush towards them, on edge because of a recent attack from a neighboring tribe. The women saved them, and the men "were received with ceremonial honor." The group of men, led by Lewis, were "isolated," and "utterly dependent" on the Shoshone tribe, forced to simply let the chief and tribe decide what to do with them. He "threw himself and the future of his expedition into their hands," which is a very difficult thing to do. He felt confused. He was often times "disgusted with himself." However, he managed to keep the respect of the chief and convince tribe members to help his crew by giving them horses. Suspicions still remained on both sides, and finally the chief made a symbolic gesture: he dressed Lewis and his crew in the tribal clothing that he himself and his warrior's wore. In return, Lewis placed upon the chief his cocked hat. He believed that at that moment he had "metamorphosed" into "a complete Indian." Sacagaweah, their translator, returned and all was well in the camp.
Lewis, however, was very introspective. It seemed that he was disappointed in himself. He was introduced to a completely new culture, and it was up to him to figure out how to interact with them to keep himself safe and to get what he needed. He was "invaded by an America he had never expected to meet." Lewis was somewhat of an unreliable witness, and therefore "the pivotal moment in the most iconic American exploring expedition [remains]," in some ways, "forever unknowable."
Chapter Reflection:
It seems that Lewis was bombarded with a new way of life. It must be so terrifying to know that your life and the lives of your companions are in the hand of a people whom you know nothing about. Lewis was unsure of himself, as anyone surely would be in that situation. It caused him to question his values, his thoughts, his actions, as well as the actions of the culture that he was suddenly introduced to. He had to adapt quickly to his new surroundings. Although he might not admit that he was changed by the Indian culture, I liked the narrators words: "I have felt the disorientation and panic that follow immersion in another culture," and she imagines that Lewis must have been impacted in some way by his time with the Shoshone people. We can relate to Lewis, because in this world of "blended identities" and blended cultures, we must all learn to adapt to each other, even though it might be scary sometimes and cause us to question our own identities.
Chapter 4: The McGillivray Moment
Chapter Summary:
The beginning of the chapter emits a sense of peace, camaraderie, and optimism, even in the face of adversity. Indian chiefs meeting in the capital of the United States to discuss a peace treaty to ensure everyone gets what is theirs: what could go wrong? With the help of Washington and the powerful, respected chief of the Creek Indians Alexander McGillivray, "the solution" to the problem of the seemingly inevitable forced removal of Native Americans off of their land seemed "imminent and feasible." Washington saw the Native American land as the promising future of America, but it still belonged to those who had settled there first - how to assimilate this land into the American nation while still respecting and protecting the rights of the natives? The problem of removing the Native Americans from their land would "stain the character of the nation," by going against the very principles that the United States had been founded upon. Washington's solution was to form "sanctuaries" in the land occupied by Native Americans that were under tribal control and federal protection. They would be untouched by white settlers, but become assimilated into the American nation. The problem was, who was in charge of them? Who had authority, who could speak for them collectively? And Alexander McGillivray was the answer. He was the beacon of hope for a peaceful coexistence.
The three-week period in which the tribe leaders and the government of the US convened is mysterious. All we know are the final declarations. They respected the Native Americans' rights, but also stated that the Creek people "were going to be asked to change their entire way of life in order to accommodate themselves to the imminent arrival of white settlers." It is hard to tell if McGillivray understood the implications of everything that was laid out in the treaty, or if Washington was trying to underhandedly get his way. However, in the end, settlers still encroached upon the Native American land, and then Georgia sold acres of land that belonged to the Creek people, openly violating the treaty. Washington meant well, but he was unable to control the seemingly inevitable Indian removal.
Chapter Review:
This meeting was the "apogee of [Washington's] optimism." I loved this quote, because it really evoked what I had been imagining. Washington seems like he wanted the Native Americans to have their land and he wanted to protect their rights, and it seemed at this moment that everything would be peaceful and the ideal solution would occur. It's almost a dreamlike event where everyone is apart from reality. They all want it to happen, but the reader knows the bloody tragedy that will befall them anyway. It was like a "vastly more attractive might-have-been." However, we know that it was doomed from the start.
The beginning of the chapter emits a sense of peace, camaraderie, and optimism, even in the face of adversity. Indian chiefs meeting in the capital of the United States to discuss a peace treaty to ensure everyone gets what is theirs: what could go wrong? With the help of Washington and the powerful, respected chief of the Creek Indians Alexander McGillivray, "the solution" to the problem of the seemingly inevitable forced removal of Native Americans off of their land seemed "imminent and feasible." Washington saw the Native American land as the promising future of America, but it still belonged to those who had settled there first - how to assimilate this land into the American nation while still respecting and protecting the rights of the natives? The problem of removing the Native Americans from their land would "stain the character of the nation," by going against the very principles that the United States had been founded upon. Washington's solution was to form "sanctuaries" in the land occupied by Native Americans that were under tribal control and federal protection. They would be untouched by white settlers, but become assimilated into the American nation. The problem was, who was in charge of them? Who had authority, who could speak for them collectively? And Alexander McGillivray was the answer. He was the beacon of hope for a peaceful coexistence.
The three-week period in which the tribe leaders and the government of the US convened is mysterious. All we know are the final declarations. They respected the Native Americans' rights, but also stated that the Creek people "were going to be asked to change their entire way of life in order to accommodate themselves to the imminent arrival of white settlers." It is hard to tell if McGillivray understood the implications of everything that was laid out in the treaty, or if Washington was trying to underhandedly get his way. However, in the end, settlers still encroached upon the Native American land, and then Georgia sold acres of land that belonged to the Creek people, openly violating the treaty. Washington meant well, but he was unable to control the seemingly inevitable Indian removal.
Chapter Review:
This meeting was the "apogee of [Washington's] optimism." I loved this quote, because it really evoked what I had been imagining. Washington seems like he wanted the Native Americans to have their land and he wanted to protect their rights, and it seemed at this moment that everything would be peaceful and the ideal solution would occur. It's almost a dreamlike event where everyone is apart from reality. They all want it to happen, but the reader knows the bloody tragedy that will befall them anyway. It was like a "vastly more attractive might-have-been." However, we know that it was doomed from the start.
Chapter 3: George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy
Chapter Summary:
The chapter begins with the restlessness and growing anger of the military after the American victory that ended the war. The soldiers were overcome with grievances against the government, because they believed that it was weak and it had no power to pay them the pensions and bonuses that they deserved for fighting in the long war. They feared they could not leave the army, because then they would have no "leverage with the government" in getting back the money that it owed them, but hostility and fear towards a "standing army" was growing. To begin, Lewis Nicola sent a polite and passionate letter to Washington, suggesting the solution to the weak republic was a military monarchy led by Washington himself. Washington quickly shot down Nicola's idea. However, complaints within the military such as heavy debts, "justly entitled" commissions, and the lack of commitment of the Congress to honor their promises were building. Nationalists saw this, and decided to use the anger to their advantage - they wanted a government with real power to tax and regulate the economy and pay debts - and they thought that the the threat of the military's discontent would force the more powerful government to fulfill the promises of bonuses and pensions.
An anonymous (John Armstrong) address was made among the military, fanning the flames of injustice and anger towards their government, and proposing radical solutions such as either using force to win their due under peace, or under war, refusing to take up arms to defend their country that they fought so hard for. Furthermore, the letter echoed the proposal of Nicola years before, saying the military would "retire to some unsettled country...and leave an ungrateful country to defend itself." Washington called a meeting of the conspirators, planning not to attend, then surprisingly showed up and addressed the stunned military men - he assured them that he had their backs, made them think about the consequences of their actions, and implored them not to desert their proud country that they had fought for, to "overturn the liberties" of their beloved country. Washington effectively defused the situation, and Congress was even so "chastised" that they agreed to provide pay for the army officers and enlisted men.
Chapter Reflection:
This sequence of events showed me how eloquent and calm Washington was under pressure, and his pleas to the seemingly out of control, discontented army addressed the very core values that America hopes to uphold. He reminded them of their duty to honor, and that their actions would "tarnish the reputation" of a celebrated army and the glory which they so justly acquired during the war. The fact that the meeting was on the Ides of March made me laugh because of how ironic it was - I take Latin so I've learned about Caesar and the events surrounding that date, and I liked connecting them. Another aspect that I liked was that I did relate to the enlisted officers - they spent their whole lives fighting for their free country and now that they have it, it can't even compensate them? It must have caused them to lose so much hope, that I understand that they turned to desperation.
The chapter begins with the restlessness and growing anger of the military after the American victory that ended the war. The soldiers were overcome with grievances against the government, because they believed that it was weak and it had no power to pay them the pensions and bonuses that they deserved for fighting in the long war. They feared they could not leave the army, because then they would have no "leverage with the government" in getting back the money that it owed them, but hostility and fear towards a "standing army" was growing. To begin, Lewis Nicola sent a polite and passionate letter to Washington, suggesting the solution to the weak republic was a military monarchy led by Washington himself. Washington quickly shot down Nicola's idea. However, complaints within the military such as heavy debts, "justly entitled" commissions, and the lack of commitment of the Congress to honor their promises were building. Nationalists saw this, and decided to use the anger to their advantage - they wanted a government with real power to tax and regulate the economy and pay debts - and they thought that the the threat of the military's discontent would force the more powerful government to fulfill the promises of bonuses and pensions.
An anonymous (John Armstrong) address was made among the military, fanning the flames of injustice and anger towards their government, and proposing radical solutions such as either using force to win their due under peace, or under war, refusing to take up arms to defend their country that they fought so hard for. Furthermore, the letter echoed the proposal of Nicola years before, saying the military would "retire to some unsettled country...and leave an ungrateful country to defend itself." Washington called a meeting of the conspirators, planning not to attend, then surprisingly showed up and addressed the stunned military men - he assured them that he had their backs, made them think about the consequences of their actions, and implored them not to desert their proud country that they had fought for, to "overturn the liberties" of their beloved country. Washington effectively defused the situation, and Congress was even so "chastised" that they agreed to provide pay for the army officers and enlisted men.
Chapter Reflection:
This sequence of events showed me how eloquent and calm Washington was under pressure, and his pleas to the seemingly out of control, discontented army addressed the very core values that America hopes to uphold. He reminded them of their duty to honor, and that their actions would "tarnish the reputation" of a celebrated army and the glory which they so justly acquired during the war. The fact that the meeting was on the Ides of March made me laugh because of how ironic it was - I take Latin so I've learned about Caesar and the events surrounding that date, and I liked connecting them. Another aspect that I liked was that I did relate to the enlisted officers - they spent their whole lives fighting for their free country and now that they have it, it can't even compensate them? It must have caused them to lose so much hope, that I understand that they turned to desperation.
Chapter 2: The Salem Witchcraft Trials
Chapter Summary:
This chapter is full of questions about the time period of the Salem Witch Trials, ranging from wonderings about the fears of the townspeople to the reasoning behind the convictions of seemingly innocent people, to the defenses "a majority of the accused offered on their own behalf," to the governor's sudden reprieve of the convicted witches, and to the suspicions that adults "put the names of the first three women into the mouths of the children" who essentially began the whole phenomenon. The narrator is driven by these questions as she retells the events of early 1692: the daughter and niece of a reverend began to exhibit strange bodily behavior, which then spread to women in other households of their village, who were then pronounced "bewitched." The "afflicted" then accused three local women of being involved in witchcraft (including Tituba, an Indian slave, whom then confessed to being part of a group of witches). This confession sparked mayhem in the town, where "neighbor came to suspect neighbor" and witchcraft became the excuse for any type of strange or mysterious afflictions. Accusations grew and grew, until suddenly critics' calls were answered and the governor reprieved a group of convicted witches and subsequently dissolved the court he had established to convict and execute suspected witches. Some key events mentioned were the trial of Rebecca Nurse, a pious woman accused of being recruited into witchcraft by the devil, the sermon by Reverend Lawson insisting that churchgoers should "arm themselves as soldiers of the faith," and the hanging of George Burroughs, a supposed man of God.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was particularly interesting to me because of the questions the narrator raised. I wanted to know more about why and how the witches confessed to their actions, as well as how they accused their own kind. The fear and hysteria that suddenly took over the village was also interesting to me - did the frontier war cast a kind of urgency and fear over them, or were they so scared because of the closeness of the devil and how easily people could be taken by him? Another question that interested me was why the governor suddenly "[succumbed] to the critics and [dissolved] the court he had established" - what changed his mind? What made the townspeople and the judges and jury realize their grave mistakes? I would like to learn more about this.
This chapter is full of questions about the time period of the Salem Witch Trials, ranging from wonderings about the fears of the townspeople to the reasoning behind the convictions of seemingly innocent people, to the defenses "a majority of the accused offered on their own behalf," to the governor's sudden reprieve of the convicted witches, and to the suspicions that adults "put the names of the first three women into the mouths of the children" who essentially began the whole phenomenon. The narrator is driven by these questions as she retells the events of early 1692: the daughter and niece of a reverend began to exhibit strange bodily behavior, which then spread to women in other households of their village, who were then pronounced "bewitched." The "afflicted" then accused three local women of being involved in witchcraft (including Tituba, an Indian slave, whom then confessed to being part of a group of witches). This confession sparked mayhem in the town, where "neighbor came to suspect neighbor" and witchcraft became the excuse for any type of strange or mysterious afflictions. Accusations grew and grew, until suddenly critics' calls were answered and the governor reprieved a group of convicted witches and subsequently dissolved the court he had established to convict and execute suspected witches. Some key events mentioned were the trial of Rebecca Nurse, a pious woman accused of being recruited into witchcraft by the devil, the sermon by Reverend Lawson insisting that churchgoers should "arm themselves as soldiers of the faith," and the hanging of George Burroughs, a supposed man of God.
Chapter Reflection:
This chapter was particularly interesting to me because of the questions the narrator raised. I wanted to know more about why and how the witches confessed to their actions, as well as how they accused their own kind. The fear and hysteria that suddenly took over the village was also interesting to me - did the frontier war cast a kind of urgency and fear over them, or were they so scared because of the closeness of the devil and how easily people could be taken by him? Another question that interested me was why the governor suddenly "[succumbed] to the critics and [dissolved] the court he had established" - what changed his mind? What made the townspeople and the judges and jury realize their grave mistakes? I would like to learn more about this.
Chapter 1: A Day in Cahokia - AD 1030
Chapter Summary:
Cahokia, an unbelievably developed, remarkably advanced Native American metropolis located on the American Bottom, has astounded archaeologists since its discovery. Known as the Rome of its time, it gained great respect from chiefs and worshippers all over North America because of its modern social organization, impressive building and architecture, and its far-reaching trading network. The narrator is led through the suburbs of the society, into the heart of the city, to experience the ritual burial of a former chief. The narrator and her guide come across the wonders of the city: the astonishingly huge mounds of earth designed and built by members of the society, the sacred circles of posts and sand made to represent the directional points of their cosmos, and the Grand Plaza, the home of the elite of Cahokia.
After being given a meal by her guide's family (members of the elite who reside within the Grand Plaza), the narrator is brought out to witness the sacred burial. Taking place within the sacred "Earth World," the burial begins with the placing of a young man, covered with a delicately embroidered robe. Over top of this layer, the chief is dramatically lain. Then the chief's former servants are sacrificed to accompany him to the afterlife. Next, in a display of great admiration, chiefs from tribes from all over North America place their tokens of respect and wealth within the grave ("king's ransom"). Next, as a tribute from outside tribes, 50 young women are killed and sent with the chief on his journey into another life. Finally, four head and hand-less men are placed on the top of the grave.
Chapter Reflection:
What stood out the most to me was the level of respect and admiration of the chiefs and tribes and worshippers who made the journey to this great city for the burial of the chief. To sacrifice the lives of their people and give the gift of their greatest treasures shows the amazing impact that the powerful city of Cahokia had upon the whole of North America. I loved the imagery of the larger-than-life mounds with the fires burning and the scene of the "river of people that [flowed] around the base of the mound like water around an island in a stream." It really made me realize the depth of the power that Cahokia has, because it could draw a river of people into its heart to witness one of its most sacred rituals.
Cahokia, an unbelievably developed, remarkably advanced Native American metropolis located on the American Bottom, has astounded archaeologists since its discovery. Known as the Rome of its time, it gained great respect from chiefs and worshippers all over North America because of its modern social organization, impressive building and architecture, and its far-reaching trading network. The narrator is led through the suburbs of the society, into the heart of the city, to experience the ritual burial of a former chief. The narrator and her guide come across the wonders of the city: the astonishingly huge mounds of earth designed and built by members of the society, the sacred circles of posts and sand made to represent the directional points of their cosmos, and the Grand Plaza, the home of the elite of Cahokia.
After being given a meal by her guide's family (members of the elite who reside within the Grand Plaza), the narrator is brought out to witness the sacred burial. Taking place within the sacred "Earth World," the burial begins with the placing of a young man, covered with a delicately embroidered robe. Over top of this layer, the chief is dramatically lain. Then the chief's former servants are sacrificed to accompany him to the afterlife. Next, in a display of great admiration, chiefs from tribes from all over North America place their tokens of respect and wealth within the grave ("king's ransom"). Next, as a tribute from outside tribes, 50 young women are killed and sent with the chief on his journey into another life. Finally, four head and hand-less men are placed on the top of the grave.
Chapter Reflection:
What stood out the most to me was the level of respect and admiration of the chiefs and tribes and worshippers who made the journey to this great city for the burial of the chief. To sacrifice the lives of their people and give the gift of their greatest treasures shows the amazing impact that the powerful city of Cahokia had upon the whole of North America. I loved the imagery of the larger-than-life mounds with the fires burning and the scene of the "river of people that [flowed] around the base of the mound like water around an island in a stream." It really made me realize the depth of the power that Cahokia has, because it could draw a river of people into its heart to witness one of its most sacred rituals.
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