"Smoked Yankees" and the Struggle for Empire
by Willard B. Gatewood
"Letters from Negro Soldiers, 1898-1902"
Popularity
4.1 / 5
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"Smoked Yankees" and the Struggle for Empire by Willard B. Gatewood
Details
Perspective:
Civilian
Military Unit:
US Army
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
North America
Page Count:
340
Published Date:
1987
ISBN13:
9780938626886
Description
Brief Summary
"Smoked Yankees" and the Struggle for Empire by Willard B. Gatewood offers an in-depth look into the experiences of African American soldiers during the Spanish-American War. The book compiles letters written by these soldiers, commonly referred to as "smoked Yankees" by their Spanish adversaries, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into their military service abroad for the first time. These personal correspondences were originally sent back to U.S. newspapers, providing vivid accounts of their experiences and the unique challenges they faced.
Main Themes and Topics
One of the main themes of the book is the racial identity and the struggles faced by African American soldiers in the context of both military service and wider American society. The book delves into the complexities of fighting for a country that often denied them basic rights, highlighting the juxtaposition between their dedication and the discrimination they endured. Additionally, the book explores themes of imperialism and the broader implications of American expansion, which influenced the soldiers' sentiments and their roles in history.
Writing Style and Tone
Willard B. Gatewood employs a historically rich and informative writing style, allowing readers to directly engage with the soldiers' own words. The tone is poignant and reflective, providing a platform for the soldiers' voices to resonate and be heard. Gatewood's meticulous curation of letters ensures that the accounts remain personal and unfiltered, giving readers an authentic perspective of the soldiers' experiences and perceptions.
Criticism
Some readers have pointed out that the book's reliance on the soldiers' letters may occasionally lead to repetitions in content or stylistic monotony. While the letters provide invaluable firsthand insight, the book might have benefited from additional contextual analysis to offer a more comprehensive narrative framework. Nonetheless, the primary sources still stand as powerful testimonies of the soldiers' experiences.
