"Like the legacy of slavery, the legacy of conquest persists. Indeed, conquest ended more recently than slavery, outlasting that unfortunate institution by a quarter-century. Slavery is now taken seriously in our histories; conquest still is not. In this sense, The American Indian Movement, unlike the civil rights movement, has failed." -James W. Loewen, (pg.117) What does this mean and why is it important

icon
Related questions
Question
### Understanding Historical Legacies: Conquest and Its Lingering Effects

#### Quote from James W. Loewen

"Like the legacy of slavery, the legacy of conquest persists. Indeed, conquest ended more recently than slavery, outlasting that unfortunate institution by a quarter-century. Slavery is now taken seriously in our histories; conquest still is not. In this sense, The American Indian Movement, unlike the civil rights movement, has failed."  
—James W. Loewen, *Lies My Teacher Told Me* (pg. 117)

---

#### Analysis and Importance

This quote highlights the enduring impacts of historical events such as slavery and conquest on contemporary society. According to Loewen, while the legacy of slavery is acknowledged and scrutinized within historical narratives, the legacy of conquest, particularly relating to the treatment of Native Americans, remains insufficiently addressed.

**Key Points to Consider:**

1. **Historical Comparison:**
   - Loewen draws a parallel between slavery and conquest, noting that the latter continued for a longer period.
   - He implies that the end of conquest occurred a quarter-century after the end of slavery.

2. **Historical Recognition:**
   - There is a discrepancy in how history treats these two legacies.
   - While slavery is now recognized and critically examined, the impacts of conquest are often overlooked or undervalued.

3. **American Indian Movement:**
   - Loewen critiques the effectiveness of the American Indian Movement in achieving the same level of recognition and rights as the civil rights movement for African Americans.

4. **Continued Relevance:**
   - This oversight has significant implications for contemporary understanding and policy regarding Native American issues.

---

#### Discussion Questions

- **What factors might contribute to the lack of attention given to the legacy of conquest compared to slavery?**
- **In what ways can the legacy of conquest be addressed in modern education and policy-making?**
- **How does the comparison between the American Indian Movement and the civil rights movement help us understand the different outcomes for these two groups?**

By exploring these questions and understanding the context of Loewen’s argument, readers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how historical legacies continue to shape modern society. 

This analysis underscores the necessity of including diverse historical narratives to foster a more inclusive and accurate depiction of the past.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Historical Legacies: Conquest and Its Lingering Effects #### Quote from James W. Loewen "Like the legacy of slavery, the legacy of conquest persists. Indeed, conquest ended more recently than slavery, outlasting that unfortunate institution by a quarter-century. Slavery is now taken seriously in our histories; conquest still is not. In this sense, The American Indian Movement, unlike the civil rights movement, has failed." —James W. Loewen, *Lies My Teacher Told Me* (pg. 117) --- #### Analysis and Importance This quote highlights the enduring impacts of historical events such as slavery and conquest on contemporary society. According to Loewen, while the legacy of slavery is acknowledged and scrutinized within historical narratives, the legacy of conquest, particularly relating to the treatment of Native Americans, remains insufficiently addressed. **Key Points to Consider:** 1. **Historical Comparison:** - Loewen draws a parallel between slavery and conquest, noting that the latter continued for a longer period. - He implies that the end of conquest occurred a quarter-century after the end of slavery. 2. **Historical Recognition:** - There is a discrepancy in how history treats these two legacies. - While slavery is now recognized and critically examined, the impacts of conquest are often overlooked or undervalued. 3. **American Indian Movement:** - Loewen critiques the effectiveness of the American Indian Movement in achieving the same level of recognition and rights as the civil rights movement for African Americans. 4. **Continued Relevance:** - This oversight has significant implications for contemporary understanding and policy regarding Native American issues. --- #### Discussion Questions - **What factors might contribute to the lack of attention given to the legacy of conquest compared to slavery?** - **In what ways can the legacy of conquest be addressed in modern education and policy-making?** - **How does the comparison between the American Indian Movement and the civil rights movement help us understand the different outcomes for these two groups?** By exploring these questions and understanding the context of Loewen’s argument, readers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how historical legacies continue to shape modern society. This analysis underscores the necessity of including diverse historical narratives to foster a more inclusive and accurate depiction of the past.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer