Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

The Hmong people were accustomed to life in the mountains. It was said that when they emerged from the mountains and entered the lowlands they walked with an awkward gait. Their connection to the mountains could be seen in other ways as well. The inhabitants of Laos could be characterized by the altitude at which they lived, with each subgroup having distinguishing qualities. Different crops were farmed and animals hunted at each elevation and the tribes remained separate. All of their needs could be fulfilled within the individual communities. While technically governed by their lowland peers, the Hmong managed to maintain autonomy by literally looking down on them. The Hmong had the specific advantage of growing and harvesting opium. The crop required the cool temperatures and alkaline soil found in the mountains. Because it was in demand, opium proved a profitable...