Baptist says there was a repeating pattern. The tribes would sign a treaty with the state or federal government, agreeing to boundary. But then white settlers move into the native land,. Conflicts occur. State militia and local forces will first a fight against the native people. White politicians from those states and territories will put pressure on the national government to intervene.
In the decades after America’s founding and the establishment of the Constitution, did the nation get better, more just, more democratic? Or did it double down on violent conquest and exploitation?
Reported, produced, written, and mixed by John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika. The series editor is Loretta Williams. Interviews with Robin Alario, Edward Baptist, Kidada Williams, and Keri Leigh Merritt.
Music by Algiers, John Erik Kaada, Eric Neveux, and Lucas Biewen. Music consulting and production help from Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.