165. A Massacre at Dawn

The podcast examines the Camp Grant Massacre of April 30, 1871, focusing on the events leading up to the mass killing of Apache women and children. Karl Jacoby, author of "Shadows at Dawn: An Apache Massacre and the Violence of History," provides insights into the motivations of the perpetrators, which included white settlers, Mexicans, and members of the Tono'otham tribe, as well as the role of racial tensions and fake news in instigating the attack. The discussion explores the complex historical context, including the U.S. government's peace policy, the dehumanization of the Apache people, and the corruption within the local legal system that led to the acquittal of those involved. The conversation also touches on the long-term consequences for Native Americans, including economic deprivation and social challenges on reservations.