War of a Thousand Deserts
by Brian DeLay
"Indian Raids and the U.S.-Mexican War"
Popularity
4.78 / 5
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War of a Thousand Deserts by Brian DeLay
Details
War:
Mexican-American War
Perspective:
Researcher
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
North America
Published Date:
2008
ISBN13:
9780300158373
Description
Brief Summary
War of a Thousand Deserts by Brian DeLay provides an intricate analysis of the complex dynamics between Apaches, Navajos, Kiowas, Comanches, and their interactions with Mexicans and Americans during a turbulent period in the 19th century. The book delves into the period following the early 1830s, marked by escalating violence between northern Mexicans and indigenous groups they labeled as "the barbarians." This period led to devastating raids across Mexican states, dramatically transforming the region's socio-political landscape. By exploring various sources, including diplomatic correspondence and captivity narratives, DeLay illustrates how these interethnic conflicts influenced America's territorial expansion and the eventual annexation of Mexican territories.
Main Themes and Topics
The primary themes of War of a Thousand Deserts revolve around the intersection of American expansionism and indigenous agency. DeLay highlights how indigenous groups played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of America's conflict with Mexico by conducting raids that weakened the Mexican territories. The narrative underscores the influence of economic, cultural, and political changes within native communities, demonstrating their significant impact on the course of history. The book also emphasizes the broader implications of these interethnic conflicts, including their contributions to the ideological and physical expansions of the United States.
Writing Style and Tone
DeLay's writing style is both engaging and scholarly, blending narrative storytelling with rigorous academic analysis. The tone is appropriately serious, given the harrowing accounts of violence and change depicted, yet it remains accessible and compelling for the reader. The book is densely argued, presenting a detailed examination of the historical events while maintaining a coherent and absorbing narrative structure.
Awards and Recognition
War of a Thousand Deserts has received considerable acclaim and recognition for its contribution to historical scholarship. It has been praised for its insightful analysis and has received awards acknowledging the work's depth and the new perspectives it offers on 19th-century interethnic conflicts and U.S. territorial expansion.
