1. The author’s thesis is his overall opinion of how the United States was established. There was much bloodshed and ugliness due to the settlers feeling of superiority over the Indians. Zinn is trying to convince us that there is more to the story of how America was discovered that we are neglected to be taught throughout school, mostly because it makes our history look bad and we are basically in denial of our ancestors horrible actions.
2. According to Zinn the new settlers treated the Indians poorly and unfair. They used their generosity and hospitality against them, and took them for granted. In return to the Indian's kindness the settlers enslaved them and/or killed them, as well as practically robbed them of their weapons and food. By taking over the Indian's land rather than sharing it with them like they were kindly willing to do, the Europeans used their power, weapons, and strength in a negative way, which is something that we somewhat do today. The United States was built on control and murder.
3. Are the ways of the United States really all that different from what they were when it was first established? Why did the settlers feel the need to treat the Indians so poorly after their treated them with such kindness?
4. The reading was somewhat disappointing. It was disappointing to find out how ugly the history was of the beginning of our nation. I was interested to hear the history of how America became from the other side. The story that we are told is sugarcoated and we are neglected to be told about the reality of what happened back then. Columbus impressed upon us as a wonderful guy and we are never told of how inhumane and barbaric he really acted.
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