Stolen Continents: The "New World" Through Indian Eyes

Heritage Studies Book 1

I began this book because I am Puerto Rican and I don't know much about what exactly occurred when Christopher Columbus landed in present day Dominican Republic. This book does not touch upon this, however. Instead, Ronald Wright details the events of the Aztecs, Maya, Inca, Cherokees and the Iroquois. I figured that reading about the demolition of these ancient civilizations would paint some type of picture of what occurred in the Greater Antilles.

Wright does a fantastic job illustrating events and breaks up the histories of each group by speaking about Invasion, Resistance, Rebirth, and Rediscovery. We learn about when the Spanish and Europeans arrived, how the indigenous fought back, what happened decades or show more centuries after the invasions took place, and where the peoples of these groups are today (as of 1992, when this book was written). We learn about the atrocities as seen by those who were there.

Most of the sources used are from journal entries and other literature from both the invading soldiers and the natives that were able to keep records.

Some might say that his book is one-sided, making the indians look like docile and friendly peoples that were needlessly slaughtered by more advanced peoples. Why shouldn't this be true? The Spanish and Europeans were armed with guns, germs, and steel. The weapons the natives had were no match. As soon as the explorers landed on the shores of these countries, they native population was doomed.

Most if not all of these civilizations were raped and pillaged for the three G's: Gold, God, and Glory. No other reason is given. It was the "Haves versus the Have Not's." If the invaders could commit robbery and murder with little or no problems, then why not? It was "God's will" according to their beliefs. It is profoundly sad how many artifacts and records were probably lost and destroyed during the intrusions and encroachments of the whites. They were seen as "savages", but really, what do you call the ones committing the slaughter and plunder?

I think eventually these civilizations would have collapsed somehow. Either another group would have discovered them and annihilated them or they would have done themselves in with civil war. It is the human way to explore and discover. We constantly need to go further and further. We want want want until there is nothing left. This book is a great platform for those who want to learn more about the great "discoveries".

I also recommend reading Wright's A Short History of Progress where he goes into more detail about humankind's thirst and hunger for progress. show less

"History is written by the winners, and so the 'discovery' of the New World in 1492 has been clebrated as one of hamanity's great moments." Mr Wright looks at the America's through Indian eyes since 1492 and tells us a different story than the one we have been told for hundreds of years.

A good companion to Guns, Germs and Steel. Stolen Continents is the depressing tale of how Europeans came to power in the Americas. A depressing litany of death and destruction.

History