Review - The Scratch of a Pen - 8/10

In my previous post, I reviewed the book, “The American Experience” and where that book takes a very broad look at life during the colonial ages this book “The Scratch of a Pen” takes a more specific look at the impact of the French and Indian war. Actually the book only briefly discusses the war itself; but instead, the focus is on the ramification of this war.

Interesting to note that not before or since has so much land changed hands from one occupier to another and this books specifically looks at how it impacted the people living one these lands including the French, English and the Indians.

On a side note: where it seems most modern books like to take the theme that Indians were good and white people were bad, this book takes a more balanced approach. Calloway the author does talk about how many Indians were forced off their land unfairly and how some settlers wanted nothing but genocide for the natives; but he also discusses where in many cases the native people worked well together with the settlers forming profitable trading and hospital environments for all of the occupants. He also discusses how not all native people were above approach, in fact some were down right ruthless and violent. I think that is a lesson that can be taught for us in this day and age, and that is that not only is helping your fellow man, not matter what race or religion he is rewarding for us as individuals but it is also facilitates a more prosperous society for all who partake. Conversely, not treating your fellow man with respect produces strife animosity and hurts the overall condition of the society.