European Imperialism and Atrocities

No contemporary history of the Native Americans is complete without a forthright and accurate description of the atrocities committed against the Native Americans by European settlers. The earliest atrocities were arguably the worst, those committed by the Spanish Conquistadors, Cortez, Coronado, De Soto and others. All three figures are discussed in Native Roots, particularly De Soto since he was involved in the first European expedition of North America, which is the geographical subject of Native Roots. Along the way, De Soto massacred and conquered many Native Americans and captured a chieftainess known as the Lady of Cutifachiqui. He was also responsible for the conquest of Peru and the destruction of the Incan Empire.

The English, French and Russians committed their share of atrocities, though the English were undoubtedly the most guilty over time, because they were the leading plurality of ethnic groups that composed the...