Benjamin Madley

Benjamin Madley is a historian and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, specializing in Native American genocide, Indigenous rights, and colonialism. His most significant work is "An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873," published in 2016. The book examines the systematic killing of California Native Americans during the mid-19th century, documenting how state and federal policies enabled and encouraged the murder of Indigenous peoples. Madley's research demonstrates that the California Indian catastrophe meets the UN definition of genocide, challenging previous historical interpretations of this period. Madley's scholarly work extends beyond California, encompassing broader studies of colonial violence, settler societies, and Native American history. His articles have appeared in numerous academic journals including The American Historical Review, The Journal of Genocide Research, and The Western Historical Quarterly. His research methods combine extensive archival work with demographic analysis and careful examination of government documents, establishing new standards for genocide studies in American history. The impact of his work has led to increased recognition of historical atrocities against Native Americans and influenced public policy discussions about Indigenous rights.

Readers praise Madley's meticulous research and comprehensive documentation in "An American Genocide," noting his effective use of primary sources and statistics. Many point to his clear presentation of complex historical evidence and systematic breakdown of events. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts backed by extensive citations - Clear explanations of genocide criteria and legal definitions - Balance between academic rigor and accessibility - Inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and testimonies Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be challenging for general readers - Some repetition in examples and evidence - High price point of hardcover edition - Limited coverage of post-1873 impacts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.41/5 (226 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (168 ratings) One reader noted: "Madley's methodical documentation makes the horror impossible to dismiss." Another commented: "The academic tone helps manage the emotional weight of such difficult material." Most negative reviews focus on readability rather than content or conclusions.

An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 A comprehensive historical study documenting the systematic killing of California Native Americans through state and federal policies, demonstrating how these actions constituted genocide under UN definitions.

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz Her book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" analyzes colonialism and genocide against Native Americans from pre-colonial times to present. Her research methods and focus on systematic state violence parallel Madley's approach.

Jeffrey Ostler His work "Surviving Genocide: Native Nations and the United States from the American Revolution to Bleeding Kansas" examines similar themes of state-sponsored violence against Indigenous peoples. His research style combines demographic analysis with government records, matching Madley's methodological approach.

Karl Jacoby His book "Shadows at Dawn" investigates the Camp Grant Massacre of Apache people in 1871 through multiple perspectives. His focus on specific violent episodes and their broader implications mirrors Madley's approach to the California genocide.

Ned Blackhawk His book "Violence over the Land" examines Indigenous experiences of colonialism in the Great Basin region. His work combines archival research with Indigenous perspectives to document patterns of violence and displacement.

David Grua His book "Surviving Wounded Knee" analyzes the aftermath and memory of the 1890 massacre. His examination of government documents and focus on state-sponsored violence against Native Americans aligns with Madley's research methods.