Century of Dishonor

First published in 1881 and reprinted in numerous editions since Helen HuntJacksons A <strong>Century of Dishonor</strong> is a classic account of the U.S. gove... » 

First published in 1881 and reprinted in numerous editions since Helen HuntJacksons A Century of Dishonor is a classic account of the U.S. governmentsflawed Indian policy and the unfair and cruel treatment afforded North AmericanIndians by expansionist Americans. Jackson wrote the book as a polemic toappeal to the hearts and conscience of the American people who she hopedwould demand legislative reform from Congress and redeem the countrys namefrom the stain of a century of dishonor. Her efforts which constitute alandmark in Indian reform helped begin the long process of public awarenessfor Indian rights that continues to the present day. Beginning with a legalbrief on the original Indian right of occupancy A Century of Dishonorcontinues with Jacksons analysis of how irresponsibility dishonesty andperfidy on the part of Americans and the U.S. government devastated theDelaware Cheyenne Nez Perce Sioux Ponca Winnebago and Cherokee Indians.Jackson describes the governments treatment of the Indians as a shamefulrecord of broken treaties and unfulfilled promises exacerbated by a sickeningrecord of murder outrage robbery and wrongs committed by frontier settlerswith only an occasional Indian retaliation. Such notable events as the flightof Chief Joseph of the Nez Perces and the Cherokee Trail of Tears illustrateJacksons arguments. «