Scotty A Birge
Civilized vs Europeanized
Mon Jul 23 11:27:04 2001


Just a personal observation

I have read this thread with interest and have found interesting the notion that 'european' means 'civilized' or somehow better than a native lifestyle. Native Americans that fought in the war were 'civilized' or 'europeanized'? How civilized is a war that cost a million men their lives, destroyed an entire culture, wrecked property, burned cities, and has left a lasting scar on our country? Civilzed europeans can be the most violent and brutal people this continent has ever seen. History bears witness not only toward native american populations but to each other. I find it odd that a focus is on what might have happened at Pea Ridge by some troops against the backdrop of the total horror of the war. Reports at that time and through the late 1800's show how racist slants prevailed american society at the time - both north and south. It shows how complicated issues of the day were - the same Sheridan who fought against the south, resulting in the freedom of the slaves, was the same Sheridan who waged genocide against the native population mere years later.