The Liberty Valance Effect

Page One

The Libery Valance Effect : Native Portrayal in the American Classic

One of the fascinating things about American history that is in its own way a rather unique thing unto it until the speedy empire building of new governments in the 20th century is the utilization of myth in the structure of it 's history to emphasize the grandeur of a country in infancy at a time when most other countries were well established giants at the time . Albeit , history is always a product of her victors , but early American history

the way we Americans understand it is the product of many creative storytellers

American history is dramatic and symbolic in a way the natural of things cannot possibly be . We learn about George Washington cutting down his father 's cherry tree to teach us the importance of honesty , or Paul Revere 's ride to teach us the sacrifices and patriotism of our forefathers . In American history , perhaps uniquely so in the democratic world , the myth of history is often more important than the actuality of the events themselves . Ludwig von Mises says of history , History does not recognize in the course of events any other meaning and sense than those attributed to them by acting men , judging from the point of view of their own human concerns

So too , in the chronicles of American dealings with indigenous cultures are myths and legends created . From the validity of events of now-famous historical figures to the circumstances creating some...