An Infinity of Nations explores the formation and development of a Native New World in North America. Until the middle of the nineteenth century; indigenous peoples controlled the vast majority of the continent while European colonies of the Atlantic World were largely confined to the eastern seaboard. To be sure; Native North America experienced far-reaching and radical change following contact with the peoples; things; and ideas that flowed inland following the creation of European colonies on North American soil. Most of the continent's indigenous peoples; however; were not conquered; assimilated; or even socially incorporated into the settlements and political regimes of this Atlantic New World. Instead; Native peoples forged a New World of their own. This history; the evolution of a distinctly Native New World; is a foundational story that remains largely untold in histories of early America.Through imaginative use of both Native language and European documents; historian Michael Witgen recreates the world of the indigenous peoples who ruled the western interior of North America. The Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples of the Great Lakes and Northern Great Plains dominated the politics and political economy of these interconnected regions; which were pivotal to the fur trade and the emergent world economy. Moving between cycles of alliance and competition; and between peace and violence; the Anishinaabeg and Dakota carved out a place for Native peoples in modern North America; ensuring not only that they would survive as independent and distinct Native peoples but also that they would be a part of the new community of nations who made the New World.
#998499 in Books University of Pennsylvania Press 1998-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .71 x 5.51l; .90 #File Name: 0812216709312 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Davis was such a wonderful instructor; good natured and very approachableBy celeste morelloI had the honor of having Allen F> Davis for a class in public history; a constant in my life now as I have done much in the city since. Dr. Davis was such a wonderful instructor; good natured and very approachable. I had relied upon this book in its prior title and it remains an excellent source of Philadelphia history that had not been reported or so skillfully handled before. This book is one of Dr> Davis' stellar pieces that represent the new account of history; not only by emphasizing the peoples that had been deemed unworthy by 19th century historians/chroniclers; but in presenting life; the environment and capturing the emotions of the peoples of those times. Dr. Davis is a pioneer and unfailing in this work. This book should be regarded as one of the best histories of the city.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Groundbreaking; must-read for this interested in Philadelphia historyBy gaHappy to find this classic at a great price1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy StephanieI really loved looking through the pictures and reading bits and pieces of Philly.
