Dow Jones’s Reviews > The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History > Status Update

Damn, even as Natives ceded their lands further and further just to have their sovereignty in the writings of treaties, Georgia and many southern states just ignored federal powers and said anything on state land was the state’s. French Revolution ceded Louisiana Purchase lands as well but citizenship of inhabitants was rocky. Andrew Jackson is coming up soon and then more trouble begins.

As Jefferson is recasted by the Haitian Revolution, he and James Monroe agree that they should find a way to deport all the black slaves somewhere else before an uprising could happen. Sierra Leone was an option considered.

1790’s Naturalization Act was the first time whiteness was put in legal writing, thus perpetuating legal racism in the US. 2 years later, the Militia Act followed its use as well. Very wild chapter 7. Tons of interesting info. Jefferson going to Paris in 1785 & love affair w/ 14yr old slave Sally Hemmings. His absence led to modern romanticization of American beginnings; he wasn’t even here.

The Articles of Confederation fail in enforcing any laws, so the Constitutional Convention establishes our 3-tiered system and it becomes obvious colonialism is about to reach new heights as Indians are barely mentioned & land acquisition & the standing army are more intimidating than state militias. Now onto Part II - Struggles for Sovereignty.

Washington’s fed up with western expansion squatters and how the land scramble is devaluing property and risking Native relations. He says Indians have sovereignty over their lands and can act as they see fit, as well as expanding his beliefs on republicanism and a stronger government to deal with land settlements and tribal relations. Subsequent presidents spent more time in Europe than America, so only he knows.

As GW retires from military service, states struggle with control and start printing their own currencies which further inflation and contribute nothing to national debt. The founding documents are drafted & implemented w/ little support. Natives keep getting pushed west or north & side w/ British. So many unpaid soldiers (2yrs+) and government distrust is high.

British colonists & Amherst really give up on peace w/ Indians so they continue to have power struggles. Colonists also grow tired of soldiers & lack of government (enforcement). Amherst is the one who started passing out smallpox blankets to “reduce their power, extirpate them, & it’s for the security of their future.” Fucking nuts. Totally lawless during these 1760s.

The British empire grows exponentially as the French flee but the colonists start to grow weary of the crown after seeing they can deal with Indian relations on their own. Natives tell them it’s not British land, but theirs, and tensions rise to take land from them and push Natives out. Britain was also gain too much land too quickly so they couldn’t pay international soldiers as they’re already in growing debt

The British eventually push the French out completely & Natives are increasingly unhappy about disrespecting treaty lines & treatment. Colonists were told to exclude all Indians unless super important and to even then still be under guard. No more munition provisions for them despite crucial Native involvement supporting the British fight the French. GW felt too burned, though Franklin’s thoughts undiscussed.

interesting lead up to the 7 Years War w/ Washington just starting out and making many mistakes in his first campaign leading British forces into the interior. French had empty promises of trades & stockpiled furs w/ nothing in return for Natives, so English took up the trade. GW misunderstood Native sentiments for French & thought they’d fight w/ him but they sided w/ French, forcing GW surrender, & he’s bitter.