Nine Men Who Shaped the American West - Book Report/Review Example

Among some of the interesting narratives on American history, Robert Larson enlightens readers about Red Cloud, who was an Oglala Sioux. He is a significant figure in American history because he was a 'treaty Indian'. This meant that he was a constant pain in the side of the government. Likewise, the government was no pleasure in Red Cloud. This was because he lived to see everything come to pass that he always stood against till the time he died in 1909. Larson also unusually asserts facts about Red Cloud's renown that diminished as Sitting Bull.

However, the reader gets a good idea of Red Cloud's role in making peace as well as in the latter half of the 19th century in the Indian Wars. Glenda Riley is apparently less sympathetic to Mimbreo Apache leader Victorio, whose life she writes on. Riley asserts that Victorio desired peace but was compelled by the whites to fight a war. According to Riley, had Victorio known that Bartlett in 1852 called the Apaches 'savages,' he [Victorio] would have been less optimistic about working for peace.

Richard Etulain covers Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. Etulain reveals that most people see Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce as a warrior. Etulain exposes a side of Chief Joseph, asserting that he was an important "administrator" Indian, who played a vital role in his time.Richard N. Ellis is another contributor to 'Chiefs and Generals: Nine Men Who Shaped The American West'. He covers the career of General O. O. Howard. General Howard was also well known as the 'Christian General'. This is because it is thought that his religious beliefs clouded his judgments.

General O. O. Howard's spotty military record is believed to be evidence of this. Although one would expect a man who follows the life of Jesus to be kinder the others, General Howard was quite a ruthless man. He was just as well known as others at the time for twisting the truth to justify his position. Nevertheless, he remains an important military figure in American History. 'George Crook, the Humanitarian General' is covered by Darlis A. Miller. According to Miller's account, there are many that think that General Crook was the greatest Indian warrior ever produced by the army.

An important in this account is that General Crook's concern for Indians as human beings was genuine. One of the most well-known aspects of General Crook's leadership is that he used Apaches to track down and fight other Apaches. He was in charge of such a task twice in Arizona. His second task was shortened due to him not being able to corral Geronimo permanently. Beyond his retirement, General Crook kept himself busy defending the rights of his erstwhile enemies. It is known that Indians knew he was honest with them in his efforts, many of whom wept at the time of his death.

Aside from the historical figures above, there are also: the unimpressive essay on Custer by Shirley A. Leckie, a scrubbed-clean version of Geronimo's life covered by L. G. Moses, and an acceptable essay on Ranald Mackenzie covered by Durwood Ball.