Empire 164. How the West was Won: The Truth Behind the Westerns
Jul 1, 2024
Karl Jacoby, author of "Shadows at Dawn," provides a deep dive into the violent realities of westward expansion. He discusses how horse culture transformed Native American societies and reveals the complexities of tribal identities affected by colonialism. Jacoby sheds light on the Gadsden Purchase and its implications for U.S. territorial ambitions. He also critiques Hollywood's portrayal of the Apache, particularly the myths surrounding Geronimo, while addressing the brutal military campaigns waged against them, challenging popular narratives of this tumultuous era.
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Horses Transformed Indigenous Life
- The quintessential image of Native Americans on horseback is a post-contact phenomenon.
- Horses, introduced in the 1770s, transformed the Great Plains and Indigenous life.
Tribal Names
- Many well-known tribal names, like Apache and Sioux, are not the tribes' own designations.
- These names were often given by rival tribes or outsiders, meaning "enemy."
Pre-Colonial Conflict
- Pre-colonial Indigenous societies were not always harmonious.
- Competition and violence existed between groups like the Otham and Apache over resources.
