American Indians in U.S. History (Volume 248)

by Roger L. Nichols

This one-volume narrative history of American Indians in the United States traces the experiences of indigenous peoples from early colonial times to the present day, demonstrating how Indian existence has varied and changed throughout our nation’s history. Although popular opinion and standard histories often depict tribal peoples as victims of U.S. aggression, that is only a part of their story. In American Indians in U.S. History, Roger L. Nichols focuses on the ideas, beliefs, and actions of American Indian individuals and tribes, showing them to be significant agents in their own history.

Designed as a brief survey for students and general readers, this volume addresses the histories of tribes throughout the entire United States. Offering readers insight into broad national historical patterns, it explores the wide variety of tribes and relates many fascinating stories of individual and tribal determination, resilience, and long-term success. Charting Indian history in roughly chronological chapters, Nichols presents the central issues tribal leaders faced during each era and demonstrates that, despite their frequently changing status, American Indians have maintained their cultures, identities, and many of their traditional lifeways. Far from “vanishing” or disappearing into the “melting pot,” American Indians have struggled for sovereignty and are today a larger, stronger part of the U.S. population than they have been in several centuries.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2003

Reviews

[Don Heiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Indians in U.S. History” by Roger L. Nichols was published by University of Oklahoma Press in 2003. At the time of publication, Roger was professor of History at the the University of Arizona. The book is volume 248 in the Civilization of the American Indian Series. Roger’s book begins with a discussion of events that influenced Indian tribal land holdings, and the events that lead to the Indian meetings with American invaders from 1500 to 1700. Roger next profiles the life events of Indian Chiefs, Shamans and Warriors of the postwar era from 1783 to the 1840’s. He then discussed regional and tribal struggles in Western U.S. Indian Reservations from the 1840s through the 1930s. He concludes his book with a profile of Indian activism during the Franklin D. Roosevelt New Deal Era and the American Indian jealousy and backlash challenges that persisted through the 1980s. The book has an excellent set of maps, a very important timeline of events, wonderful photographs, and very helpful reference reading notes for each chapter. (P)

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to learn a little true history about American Indians - not the fiction I was taught in school as a child. This book was a good beginning. As the author states, the book is a brief summary of American Indians in US history starting before the European invasion through current time period. At the end of each chapter, a list of suggested readings is included for the reader who may want to explore a topic or an individual in more depth. I gave the book three stars because I have nothing else to compare it to in this genre. I may change rating at a later date.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a comprehensive and detailed history of Native Americans. The only problem is it seems he dramatizes and then underemphasizes some important moments in Native American history and culture.