Who is the author of 'Facing West'?

The author of 'Facing West' is Richard Drinnon.

What are the main themes in 'Facing West'?

The main themes in 'Facing West' include History, Political History, Cultural History, Politics and Current Affairs.

What genre is 'Facing West'?

'Facing West' is categorized as History, Politics and Current Affairs.

What is the main theme of 'Facing West'?

The main theme of 'Facing West' by Richard Drinnon revolves around the idea of westward expansion in the United States and its impact on Native American communities, as well as the resulting cultural and environmental consequences. The book examines the historical narrative of America’s westward movement, challenging the traditional notions of progress and civilization while highlighting the experiences and perspectives of indigenous peoples.

Who is the author of 'Facing West'?

The author of 'Facing West' is Richard Drinnon.

What historical events does 'Facing West' explore?

'Facing West' by Richard Drinnon explores various historical events related to the westward expansion of the United States, including the impact of colonization on Native American populations, the environmental changes caused by settlement and industrialization, and the broader context of American imperialism. The book examines the consequences of these events on both indigenous cultures and the landscape of the American West.

How does Richard Drinnon address the concept of westward expansion in the book?

In 'Facing West,' Richard Drinnon examines the concept of westward expansion through a critical lens, addressing its implications for indigenous populations, the environment, and American identity. He highlights the ideological justifications for expansion, such as Manifest Destiny, and critiques the violence and displacement that accompanied this process. Drinnon explores the narratives surrounding westward expansion, revealing how they shaped American history and perceptions of progress. He also delves into the consequences of expansion on both the land and the cultures that existed prior to American settlement, emphasizing the need to recognize these histories in contemporary understandings of America.

What are some key points that Drinnon makes about the impact of westward expansion on indigenous peoples?

In 'Facing West,' Richard Drinnon discusses several key points about the impact of westward expansion on indigenous peoples: Displacement and Loss of Land: Drinnon highlights how westward expansion led to the forced displacement of many indigenous tribes from their ancestral lands, resulting in significant loss of territory and resources. Cultural Erosion: The arrival of settlers and the establishment of new communities often led to the erosion of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, as tribes were pressured to assimilate into the dominant Euro-American culture. Violence and Conflict: Drinnon addresses the violent encounters and conflicts that arose between expanding settlers and indigenous populations, which often resulted in tragic massacres and loss of life. Broken Treaties: He examines the systematic disregard for treaties made with indigenous peoples, noting how these agreements were often broken by the U.S. government, further undermining indigenous sovereignty and rights. Economic Exploitation: Drinnon points out the economic motivations behind westward expansion, where settlers sought to exploit natural resources and land, impacting indigenous economies and ways of life. Resistance and Resilience: Despite the overwhelming challenges, Drinnon acknowledges the resistance and resilience shown by indigenous peoples in the face of expansion, highlighting their efforts to maintain their identities and fight for their rights.

Facing West

In "Facing West," Richard Drinnon explores the complex historical interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, shedding light on the often-overlooked cultural collisions and the impact of westward expansion. Through vivid storytelling and a meticulous examination of historical events, the author unveils the narratives of those marginalized in mainstream history. The book challenges readers to reconsider perceptions of progress and civilization. It invites them to reflect on the consequences of conquest and the resilience of indigenous cultures. Ultimately, "Facing West" is a profound inquiry into the legacy of colonization that resonates with contemporary issues.

By Richard Drinnon

Published: 1997

History Politics and Current Affairs Cultural History Political History

Start Listening

0:000:00

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Book Collections you might like →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.

View Collection

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

View Collection

Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher is an accomplished actor, producer, and entrepreneur best known for his roles in popular television series such as "That '70s Show" and "Two and a Half Men." While not primarily recognized for contributions to literature, Kutcher has significantly impacted the tech industry through his venture capital firm, A-Grade Investments, which has funded successful startups like Airbnb and Uber. Additionally, he co-founded the media company Katalyst, which has produced various digital content. Kutcher is also an active philanthropist, co-founding the DNA Foundation, now known as Thorn, which focuses on combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. His diverse ventures reflect a commitment to innovation, social good, and entertainment.

View Collection

Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter, noted for his significant contributions to film and literature. He achieved early acclaim with his co-writing and starring role in "Good Will Hunting" (1997), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay alongside Matt Damon. Affleck further showcased his directorial prowess with the critically acclaimed film "Argo" (2012), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His work often explores complex characters and social issues, making a substantial impact on contemporary storytelling. Additionally, Affleck has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support numerous charitable causes.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Our Catalogue

Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.

Facing West

Start Listening

The Mike & Casey Show

You might also like →

Project Hail Mary

Voices of a People's History of the United States, 10th Anniversary Edition

Requiem for Revolution

Inevitable Revolutions

The Hidden Life of Trees

Better Web Typography for a Better Web

Around the Way Girl

Deschooling Society

The Celestine Prophecy

A Peace to End All Peace

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

We Are Not Ourselves

A People's History of the United States

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Tools and Weapons

American Nations

Impeach

Slavery

Dereliction of Duty

Just and Unjust Wars

Louise Bourgeois

History of Western Philosophy

Lenin's Tomb

The Banana Wars

Pale Gray for Guilt

Book Collections you might like →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Andrew Chen's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Ashton Kutcher's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Our Catalogue

Genres

Genres

Genres

Featured Collections