Creek Internationalism in an Age of Revolution, 1763-1818

Creek Internationalism in an Age of Revolution, 1763–1818, explores how Creek communities and leaders remained viable geopolitical actors in the trans-Appalachian West after the American Revolution. They pursued aggressive diplomacy to assert their sovereignty and thwart American control. The Creeks sought recognition from European powers, while the American colonies sought independence and expansion. Despite American attempts to limit contact, the Creeks forged useful ties with European empires, preserving their autonomy. This revisionist history highlights the Indigenous power that thwarted European empires in North America.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Creek Internationalism in an Age of Revolution,1763–1818 delves into the remarkable resilience of Creek communities and their leaders in the trans-Appalachian West, even after the American Revolution. The Creeks embarked on an aggressive and far-reaching diplomacy between 1763 and 1818, aiming to assert their territorial and political sovereignty while thwarting American attempts to establish control over the region. The United States and the Creeks engaged in a fierce battle to secure recognition from the European powers that would guarantee their political and territorial sovereignty. The Creeks sought to maintain their connections to the Atlantic world and preserve their central role in the geopolitics of the trans-Appalachian West, while the American colonies initially aimed to establish themselves as independent nations and later expanded their borders to secure diplomatic and commercial rights.

Despite American efforts to limit Creek contact with the outside world, the Creeks forged valuable ties with agents of European empires. Their solicitation of trade and diplomatic channels with British and Spanish colonists in the West Indies, Canada, and various Gulf Coast outposts played a crucial role in defending local autonomy. Native peoples fought tirelessly to preserve the geopolitical order that dominated the colonial era, creating a vibrant tapestry of sovereign peoples in the trans-Appalachian West where negotiation reigned supreme. As a result, the United States lacked the ability to impose its will on its Indigenous neighbors, much like the European empires that had preceded them.

In his groundbreaking work, Hill offers a significant revisionist history of Creek diplomacy and power that fills gaps within the broader study of the Atlantic world and early American history. He demonstrates how Indigenous power thwarted European ambitions, challenging the conventional narratives of colonialism and Indigenous submission. Through meticulous research and analysis, Hill sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and diplomacy in the trans-Appalachian West, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Creek communities and their leaders in the face of adversity.

Creek Internationalism in an Age of Revolution serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the region's history and highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing Indigenous perspectives and experiences. It reminds us that the history of the United States is intricately linked with the histories of its Indigenous neighbors, and that understanding and respecting their sovereignty is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496215185