Peace and Friendship: An Alternative History of the American West

The dominant histories of the American West have been narratives of horrific conflicts, framed in terms of empire building and ethnic cleansing. However, there were also important episodes of concord, instances of barriers breached, accords reached, and people overcoming their differences. Aron traces the origins of these episodes and thoughtfully considers the factors that led to their ultimate undoing. Peace and Friendship highlights locales where unexpectedly peaceful relations occurred, examining the particular circumstances that gave way to concord. These instances of peace may not have been long-lived, but they deepens our understanding of how the West came to be through colonization, violence, misunderstanding, and, surprisingly, at times, peace.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

For over three and a half decades, the prevailing narratives of the American West have been accounts of devastating conflicts. These histories, framed in terms of empire building, employ modern notions of ethnic cleansing and genocide to calculate the costs of centuries of conquest and settler colonialism. This lexicon and the interpretation it supports sharply diverge from older accounts of the conquest of the West, which celebrated the triumph of civilization over savagery, making America great -- and great again. While the Western lands have often been as dark and bloody as they are known, there were also significant instances of harmony, where barriers were breached, agreements reached, and people overcame their differences rather than being overcome by them. Aron meticulously traces the origins of these episodes and carefully examines the factors that led to their ultimate demise. Peace and Friendship showcases renowned figures such as Daniel Boone, William Clark, and Wyatt Earp, highlighting locations where unexpectedly peaceful relations occurred. By examining the specific circumstances that gave way to concord, these instances of peace offer valuable insights into the formation of the West: through colonization.

The Clatsop encampment, situated at the end of Lewis and Clark's westward expedition, serves as a poignant example of the cohabitation that occurred between the expedition and the Clatsop tribe. While the peace with the Clatsop tribe was short-lived, as the friendships and alliances formed were driven by commercial interests and survival, it nonetheless deepens our understanding of how the West came to be. The cohabitation itself sheds light on the complex dynamics of colonization, where different cultures and societies came into contact and forged new relationships. It highlights the challenges and complexities of navigating the boundaries between different groups and the search for common ground.

Moreover, the cohabitation at the Clatsop encampment raises important questions about the nature of peace and the factors that contribute to its sustainability. While the peace with the Clatsop tribe was ultimately broken due to commercial interests and survival, it highlights the importance of understanding the underlying motivations and interests that drive human interactions. It suggests that peace cannot be achieved solely through military might or economic dominance but requires a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and political factors that shape relationships between groups.

In conclusion, the cohabitation at the Clatsop encampment serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted history of the American West. It highlights the importance of examining the factors that contribute to conflict and harmony, and the ways in which different cultures and groups have interacted and forged new relationships over time. By understanding the origins of these episodes and the factors that led to their ultimate demise, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities and challenges of the West and the ongoing struggle for peace and understanding.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 166 x 243 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197622780