Arizona: A Cavalcade of History Analysis

Arizona: A Cavalcade of History Analysis

        Arizona: A Cavalcade of History is a very interesting book. It goes deep into detail on key events and people that influenced the course of development on the western front. The underlying theme of this book is not simply how one thing led to another to produce the Arizona we know today, but it is about what it was really like for the people that shaped this great state and how they overcame their challenges.

        Arizona: A Cavalcade of History is very relatable to the history of the United States. First of all the land that was to become Arizona, California, New Mexico and such all had to be settled from scratch. When Englanders first traveled across the Atlantic to settle this new continent they left behind much or most of what they had. Such was the case in settling the west. Motives for moving west were also similar to those of the colonists settling the eastern coast: they sought opportunities for riches, more religious freedom, or just a fresh start. Another similarity is the fact that Natives were constantly a problem, and most people did not know how to effectively deal with that problem. Conflict with the Natives was common, and while there were a few peacemakers sprinkled here and there, animosity usually resided between the two different cultures of settlers and Natives—much similar to colonial times. This book further relates to the United States history in that the events described were an integral part of that history because the allure of the land to be Arizona had such an effect on easterners as to cause them to leave everything behind to start up new settlements, cultures, and truly new ways of life that will always be associated with this great country.

        The information presented in this book does an exceptional job at describing the history of Arizona from multiple perspectives—a wise way to go as there was no lack of diversity in the people of Arizona before and during statehood. For example, Trimble, at the beginning of his book goes into great detail about the Natives alone. He describes the many unique cultures that differing Native tribes had. He tells the tales of Spanish missionaries who were set on converting every Native to Christianity even when a belief system was already firmly established. Undoubtedly, this led to conflict. Padre Francisco Porras had managed to establish amicable terms between the missionaries and the resilient Hopi. Unfortunately he was poisoned by jealous medicine men. Another perspective to which he dedicates many pages is that of the many hopeful prospectors. Trimble states that “with a single lucky break a man or woman could make more money in an instant than they could lend or spend in a lifetime.” Men and women came, thinking to get rich, and some of them did. Trimble quotes Mark Twain’s accurate observation that wherever there was a “rumor and a hole in the ground someone built a town around it.” These different points of view help readers gain a firm understanding on how different factors worked to shape Arizona history.

        One thing that was introduced to me was the fact that for a good while there was very little law enforcement in the West.  Many conflicts were settled as Trimble puts it, “with six-shooters.” The lack of law and order may have been good or bad. A rancher would in no way benefit from hustlers constantly taking his cattle along with his livelihood, but at the same time a large mining operation owner might benefit greatly from less regulations or restrictions. Another thing that was brought to my appreciation was the importance of railroads. Not only did they provide the quickest transportation, but their building also provided jobs which attracted workers. Trimble says that 1,100 Chinese and 200 Anglo railroad workers were hired to build a line eastward across Arizona. They had to halt, and during that time the workers spread out to open businesses, further contributing to the development of Arizona. Trimble showed me another side of the early Arizonans which was their humor. Upon completion of the railroad to Yuma a message was sent to the Pope informing him that the Church-founded pueblo was finally connected to the entire Christian world. A likely faked reply from the Pope offers congratulations on the achievement but had him asking where in the world Tucson was. This reminded me that people back then lived differently but were not too different from us today. My knowledge of truly how important water was and is to Arizona was also expanded. Without water, nobody could have done anything in such arid climates as are found in this state.