Review Of Daniel Richter's Facing East From Indian Country

Daniel Richter wrote the book “Facing East From Indian Country” because he wants to change our perspective on how we view the past. Instead of looking at the past as Europeans exploring the “new world”, he wants us to shift our view as we look through the Indians eyes. Whereas from the Indian point of view, the Europeans come from the “new world”. “North America becomes the “old world” and Western Europe the “new”, Cahokia becomes the center and Plymouth Rock and the periphery, and themes rooted in Indian country rather than across the Atlantic begin to shape the larger story” (pg.8). Richter also shows us how the Indians responded to the new arrival of the Europeans and, in turn, how the Europeans treated the Indians. Cabot never interacted

It has also been said that Cabot’s men could have left behind crucifixes such as a fishhook or a broken rusty iron axe, although it has never been proven before. “There is no proof that Cabot’s men. dropped a fishhook or broke a rusty iron axe” (pg.13). There is also no proof of what happened to those crucifixes, but there is a record of Indians who had these lost items in their possession. “Yet we know that if the Indians who owned the missing snares and needle have come upon them” (pg.13). De Soto's main goal was to spread and help Natives understand the faith of Christ. Along with understanding Christ, Soto wanted the Natives to “give obedience to the apostolic church of Rome and to the Supreme Pontiff and Vicar of God who reside there” (pg.22). If the Indians did all this, they would be treated with “peace and justice” (pg.22); however, if they chose not to follow Soto’s religion, then Soto would treat them with violence. Soto wouldn’t hesitate to slaughter hostages of any age if there were any signs of resistance. Another main goal of Soto’s was to find riches in this new land. Soto would travel from village to village asking the Indians about any treasure or riches he could

During his voyages, Cartier encountered the Native tribe called the Micmacs. The Micmacs were a very friendly tribe of people and immediately tried to gain a friendship with the French crew; however, Cartier used muskets and lances to push the tribe away. The next day Carier sent out men to trade knives, hatchets, and beads to trade with the Native Tribe. ““We wish to have your friendship!” but two panicky musket shots drove them off. they send two men ashore with a load of knives, hatchets, and beads” (pg.26-27). Cartier then treated the Natives with care, by trading with them and offering food and drinks. Eventually Cartier starts to walk over the native’s kindness, he places a cross on their land, false promises of a seal of alliance and allowing the two native men to see their families again after a long voyage, and over welcoming the Frenches stay at the native land, all these cause the natives to not trust and to even dislike the Cartier. ““should not set up any cross without his leave”. exchanges of gifts should follow to seal the alliance. None of this happens. he demands that Tiagnoagny and Domagaia guide his third