In 1791; General Arthur St. Clair led the United States army in a campaign to destroy a complex of Indian villages at the Maumee River in northwestern Ohio. Almost within reach of their objective; St. Clair's 1;400 men were attacked by about one thousand Indians. The U.S. force was decimated; suffering nearly one thousand casualties in killed and wounded; while Indian casualties numbered only a few dozen. But despite the lopsided result; it wouldn't appear to carry much significance; it involved only a few thousand people; lasted less than three hours; and the outcome; which was never in doubt; was permanently reversed a mere three years later. Neither an epic struggle nor a clash that changed the course of history; the battle doesn't even have a name. Yet; as renowned Native American historian Colin Calloway demonstrates here; St. Clair's Defeat--as it came to be known-- was hugely important for its time. It was both the biggest victory the Native Americans ever won; and; proportionately; the biggest military disaster the United States had suffered. With the British in Canada waiting in the wings for the American experiment in republicanism to fail; and some regions of the West gravitating toward alliance with Spain; the defeat threatened the very existence of the infant United States. Generating a deluge of reports; correspondence; opinions; and debates in the press; it produced the first congressional investigation in American history; while ultimately changing not only the manner in which Americans viewed; raised; organized; and paid for their armies; but the very ways in which they fought their wars. Emphasizing the extent to which the battle has been overlooked in history; Calloway illustrates how this moment of great victory by American Indians became an aberration in the national story and a blank spot in the national memory. Calloway shows that St. Clair's army proved no match for the highly motivated and well-led Native American force that shattered not only the American army but the ill-founded assumption that Indians stood no chance against European methods and models of warfare. An engaging and enlightening read for American history enthusiasts and scholars alike; The Victory with No Name brings this significant moment in American history back to light.
#666445 in Books Andreas Peter 2014-06-01 2014-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x 1.40 x 9.20l; .0 #File Name: 0199360987472 pagesSmuggler Nation How Illicit Trade Made America
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "Smuggler Nation" is a fascinating look at an often ignored thread running through America's economic historyBy Sara WhitfordThis book by Peter Andreas looks at the constant undercurrent of an underground economy in America; and how in many ways; this nation was built on that very thing. In short; people don't like being told what they can and can't buy; and they don't like having to pay endless taxes for a government that they feel is largely out of their reach. I originally purchased "Smuggler Nation" as part of the research for my historical fiction novel; "The Smuggler's Gambit"; which is set in 1765 right around the time the Sugar Act and Stamp Act first went into effect. It was during that period in American history when the seeds of Revolution were being planted and frustration with the Crown began to foment."Smuggler Nation" doesn't stop its expose at the colonial era; of course; so I ended up learning so much more from it than I ever expected. It follows the smugglers (and the money) all the way through to modern times. I've still only scratched the surface of reading this hefty volume; but am glad to have it as a useful addition to my reference shelf.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Seamy Side of American HistoryBy BMAn excellent overview of how America was created in no small part made thanks to smuggling. When one thinks of "old" money; smuggler should come to mind. Throw a dart at any book of American history and one is sure to find the name of a famous "patriot" who was involved in the smuggling trade. And regardless of which regime is in place; smuggling will always be an integral part of the underground economy.The author offers no solutions to the smuggling trade; which is by design since this is meant to be informative.Also; the writer shows that the growth of law enforcement has grown exponentially as a result of smuggling and the rise of the law-enforcement industrial complex.Incentives matter as the saying goes; for every type of demand; there is someone who willing to supply it whether that commodity is legal or illegal.For those who like the truth about American history; this is an excellent source.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I found the history so interesting and challenging I decided ...By Richard H. ErnstI found the history so interesting and challenging I decided to lead a four week session OLLI class to help others understand and discuss this version of American history. Peter Andreas busted my high school version of American history. It's not about patriots and freedom ; it's about evading tariffs and accumulating personal wealth. Smuggling has played a key role from out nation's birth to today. Andreas writes clearly and succinctly and transforms my understanding of the American Revolution; the Civil War and Manifest Destiny. Hint: All three relied on smuggling. Read this entertaining; readable history of our country
