History1301

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History1301

Introduction

Native reactions to the invasion of America is written by James Axtell. He was an American historian and professor of history in Williamsburg, Virginia. James Axtell was having interest in American Indian history and in the history of higher education. In this article, he points out the history of Europe and Indians. The author described the problems which Native Americans faced when Columbus attacked their lands. Axtell wants to clear the point of view of people regarding Native America and Columbus issue. He also explained the events both Native Americans and Europeans had to encounter after the discovery of America. The article starts with the Colombian encounter between the cultures of two worlds which were Europe and America. The article explains about the Indians that how they able to defend themselves from Europeans and how Native Americans suffered because of the Europeans.

Discussion

James Axtell points out the European and Indian conflicts were not as straightforward as Europe vs. Indians. He points out the radical distinction in the view of the Colombian practices of 1892 and 1992. The distinction between 1892 and 1992 is that in 1892 Columbus were viewed as the “ Admiral of the ocean sea” and Native Americans were not much evident while in 1992 Colombus does not have the focus of attention as they were having in 1892 and Native Americans are much more evident. He points out continuously the Colombian encounter, and the native Americans were encountered by the Europeans (Axtell, 2001).

The writer explains the history of native Americans who were suddenly stripped away from land which was their property. The conquerors of Americans land like Christopher Columbus considered this as the discovery of the new world. Axtell explained that Native Americans had to face a lot of problems at that time and the biggest problem which they were facing was that they were not considered the owners of the lands which were their property. The writer explained that many people thought that Columbus was able to conquer America, but it was not the case what people believed as Columbus role was only seen in introducing America to Western Europe (Axtell, 2001).

Axtell points out about the Indians and Europeans that most of the Indian tribes tried to attempt in many different ways to not obligatory beat the Europeans. He described the point of view of Europeans regarding Native Americans as being barbarians that occasionally and coincidently acted civilized. Axtell also explains the point of view of Indians about Europeans which was based on what is their living style and what they expect from others when they met them (Axtell, 2001).

Axtell explains about the power of Europe that they were very stronger and had better technology, better weapons and also had a lot of experience of fighting with people just like Native Americans. He pointed out that they would have easily conquered the Americans, but they don't have resources which were required to battle Americans and most importantly they were having problems with survival. There were many native Americans, but they lacked in the experience of battle and war (Axtell, 2001).

Conclusion

The focus of this article was to show the importance of Native Americans to the world and explaining how native Americans contributed to the development of America's history and culture. The article provides the facts about Indians who took action against Europeans to defend their land, food and themselves. Native Americans suffered a lot of damage from diseases and the injuries which were brought by Europeans in their land. They had to move themselves to a new place only to make Europeans happy and fulfill their demands.

Works Cited

Axtell, James. Natives and newcomers: the cultural origins of North America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.