36.4k views
2 votes
Why do you think American Indians were represented in history books in the manner described in the Council’s letter? Use examples of their depictions from the text and explain what you believe the purpose of portraying American Indians this way was.

User Sintaxi
by
7.8k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The Council’s letter describes American Indians as being portrayed in history books as “savage, warlike, and uncivilized” and “inferior to the white race.” This representation was likely intended to justify the colonization of the Americas and the displacement of Native American tribes. By portraying Native Americans as “savage,” it allowed colonizers to claim that they were bringing “civilization” to the “uncivilized” natives. The Council’s letter also mentions that American Indians were often depicted as “treacherous and untrustworthy” which was likely used to justify the mistreatment of Native Americans by the colonizers.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Claudio Fahey
by
9.8k points