The subjugation of Native Americans by European immigrants grew out of a violent clash of cultures that; in retrospect; hid real opportunities for peaceful coexistence. Key elements of this tragic tale can clearly be seen in Yasuhide Kawashima's chronicle of the events surrounding a criminal trial in Puritan New England-perhaps the earliest landmark case in American law.In 1675; Wampanoag Indian John Sassamon was allegedly ambushed and murdered on his way home from Plymouth; where he had warned the colonists about his people's plan to attack them. An investigation led to the trial and execution of three Indians based on the testimony of only one suspect witness. The verdict aggravated tensions between Indians and settlers and ultimately ignited King Philip's War; after which Indians were subjugated; their villages effectively became reservations; and all hope of bicultural existence vanished.Although it is usually considered from a political or cultural standpoint; Kawashima retells the story of the murder and trial from the perspective of legal history and overlapping jurisdictions. He shows that Plymouth's aggressive extension of its legal authority marked the end of four decades of legal coexistence between Indians and colonists; ushering in a new era of cultural and legal imperialism.Kawashima views this seminal legal conflict as a reflection of much larger cultural differences between the two groups. Within that context; however; he also questions the validity of the proceedings themselves. In the end; Kawashima suggests; the murder verdict was a rush to judgment that rested on the shaky foundations of neglected forensic evidence as well as procedural violations of colonial law that ignored the rights of the accused. That decision marked a turning point in Euro-Indian relations and set the pattern for the ultimate marginalization of all Indians in North America. Kawashima's explication of those events casts history in a new light and shows us the critical importance of this landmark case.
#84574 in Books Wilson Dr Clyde N 2016-07-12Original language:English 9.00 x .27 x 6.00l; .37 #File Name: 0692733906118 pagesThe Yankee Problem An American Dilemma
Review
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful. Instead of what I expected it explained a good deal of the attitudes of New Englanders and how ...By William T GreystoneI expected a light enjoyable series of essays with a bit of humor and insight. The book is well written and quite thought provoking. Instead of what I expected it explained a good deal of the attitudes of New Englanders and how the United States became what it is today to the great grief of those who long for the spirit of the founding of this federation of republics. The heroes of the struggle for liberty; men like George Washington; Thomas Jefferson; George Mason and Patrick Henry are no longer in charge. We are ruled by Yankees whose communal village governments have become a nation that dreams of empire. We have a rich government and poor citizens instead of rich citizens and a poor government. The rich are those who manipulate power and not those who provide the goods and services we all need and desire.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy William D. NewsomArrived on time and as advertised.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy K. BaileyVery informative.
