Empire's Tracks: Indigenous Nations, Chinese Workers, and the Transcontinental Railroad

Empires Tracks reframes the history of the transcontinental railroad from the perspectives of Native American and Chinese migrants, revealing the imperial foundations of U.S. political economy and the connections between military occupation and exclusionary border policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2019
Publisher: University of California Press

Empires Tracks is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the history of the transcontinental railroad. By focusing on the experiences of the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Pawnee Native American tribes, as well as the Chinese migrants who toiled on its path, the book challenges traditional narratives and sheds light on the complex and often overlooked relationships between these groups.

Author Manu Karuka conducts extensive research to place the railroad within the broader context of violent global histories of colonialism and capitalism. Through a meticulous examination of legislative, military, and business records, Karuka deftly explains the imperial foundations of the U.S. political economy. The book traces the shared paths of Indigenous and Asian American histories, connecting military occupation to exclusionary border policies, a linked chain that spans the heart of U.S. imperialism.

What makes Empires Tracks particularly innovative is its multisited interdisciplinary approach. The book explores the transcontinental railroad not only as a physical infrastructure but also as a cultural and social phenomenon that shaped the lives of countless individuals and communities. By examining the experiences of Native Americans, Chinese immigrants, and other marginalized groups, the book highlights the ways in which the railroad perpetuated systems of oppression and exploitation.

Furthermore, Empires Tracks offers a powerful critique of the U.S. Empire and its expansionist policies. The book demonstrates how the railroad facilitated the colonization of Native American lands and the exploitation of labor in both the United States and China. It also highlights the ways in which the railroad contributed to the perpetuation of racial and ethnic inequalities, as well as the marginalization of certain groups.

In conclusion, Empires Tracks is a highly original and beautifully wrought book that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the history of the transcontinental railroad. By challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the complex and often overlooked relationships between different groups, the book sheds light on the ways in which the railroad laid the tracks of the U.S. Empire. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history of American imperialism and the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520296640