S.C. Gwynne

Date: 2019-12-10 | Duration: 1h 21m

Episode Overview

Historian S.C. Gwynne dives deep into the rise and fall of the Comanche Nation, revealing how this relatively small tribe dominated the American West through unmatched horsemanship and warfare tactics. Gwynne explores the transformative impact of the horse on the Plains, explaining how the Comanches leveraged this new mobility to control vast territories and buffalo herds. He shares vivid accounts of Comanche raids, their brutal cultural practices, and the complex social structure that supported their power, including the story of a white captive who became intertwined with the tribe’s history. The conversation also highlights the devastating consequences of westward expansion, detailing how the Comanches’ way of life was systematically dismantled through military campaigns, loss of buffalo, and forced relocation. Gwynne reflects on the near-erasure of Comanche culture and the challenges of preserving their legacy today. Throughout, he emphasizes the tribe’s extraordinary skills, such as their ability to shoot arrows accurately from a galloping horse, which astonished both settlers and soldiers. The episode offers a nuanced perspective on Native American history, blending scholarly research with compelling storytelling to illuminate a critical yet often overlooked chapter of the American frontier.

About S.C. Gwynne

S.C. Gwynne is an acclaimed American nonfiction writer renowned for his insightful explorations of historical narratives. He gained significant recognition with his prize-winning book, "Empire of the Summer Moon," which delves into the rise and fall of the Comanche Nation and its impact on the American West. His latest work, "Hymns of the Republic," further showcases his talent for weaving compelling stories that illuminate pivotal moments in history. Gwynne's ability to blend meticulous research with engaging prose makes him a captivating voice in contemporary nonfiction, appealing to both history enthusiasts and general readers alike.

Key Moments

– Comanche History
– Native American Culture
– American West
– Horse Warfare
– Buffalo Hunting
– Plains Indians
– Indigenous Warfare Tactics
– Reservation System
– Cultural Assimilation
– Historical Landmarks
– Archery Skills
– Historical Biography
– Texas History
– Colonial Conflicts
– Indigenous Leadership
– Military Technology
– Oral History
– Native American Captivity
– Historical Research
0:00:23 – Introduction to the unknown topic
0:03:36 – Discovery of Comanche influence in Texas
0:04:18 – Birth of Comanche chief's mother in 1836
0:06:00 – Comanche raid practices and treatment of infants
0:07:32 – Distinction between Comanche and general Native American culture
0:08:15 – Impact of horses on Plains power dynamics
0:10:04 – Pueblo revolt and horse acquisition by Native tribes
0:11:14 – Apache adoption of Spanish horse technology
0:12:34 – Cultural symbols associated with Native Americans
0:14:53 – Overview of Comanche rise and fall
0:18:37 – Subjugation and near extermination of Texas Indians
0:22:10 – Transition from hunting to agriculture among Native tribes
0:24:31 – Capture and racial identity challenges of a Comanche woman
0:26:03 – Magic and spirituality in Comanche life
0:29:31 – Differences in land use between public and private western states
0:31:07 – Small size of Comanche tribe despite influence
0:33:25 – Threats to preservation of Native cultures
0:36:45 – Catastrophic changes faced by Comanches
0:38:21 – Testimony of Comanche warrior in Washington
0:40:22 – Comanche cattle leasing practices
0:42:34 – Polygamy and family structure of Comanche leader
0:44:06 – Description of a Comanche cultural site
0:47:17 – Preservation challenges of Comanche historical landmarks
0:51:58 – Texas head rights distribution post-independence
0:53:17 – Comanche weaponry and fighting style
0:55:25 – Military innovations against Comanches
0:57:04 – Unprecedented Comanche horsemanship skills
1:00:16 – Riding techniques used by Comanche warriors
1:01:11 – Comparison to Wild West trick riding
1:02:21 – Lack of written history for Comanches
1:04:50 – Archery skills demonstrated on horseback
1:06:23 – Shooting accuracy while riding a horse
1:08:06 – Larry McMurtry's involvement in Native American stories
1:10:04 – Reference to 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee'
1:15:05 – Larry McMurtry's book on Crazy Horse
1:16:04 – Character study of a notorious Comanche figure
1:17:27 – Summary of American West history

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Three, two, okay. Starting point is 00:00:23 Because we didn't figure out what it was. Starting point is 00:00:44 And he did the audio version Starting point is 00:01:13 Look at that, ladies and gentlemen. Starting point is 00:01:45 It's incredibly dramatic. Starting point is 00:02:10 horrors of it all it's like you know um and i'd never seen i had no i knew that that kind of stuff Starting point is 00:02:55 I wasn't sure what the plains were or why they were different Starting point is 00:03:36 But so I got into this and then lo and behold, there's this – I find out because I live in Texas that there's this principle that lives on this, that lived on this land, the Comanches, that determined everything that happened in the American West Starting point is 00:04:18 1836, who ends up becoming the mother of the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. Starting point is 00:04:47 Now she's, we have her on the wall. Starting point is 00:05:07 Right. Starting point is 00:05:42 Right. Starting point is 00:06:00 If you were a baby, you were killed. Starting point is 00:06:27 eight, nine, 10, 11, 12-year-olds. Starting point is 00:06:58 You know, that was the assumption of a raid. It was almost like the golden rule in reverse, Starting point is 00:07:32 This is the Comanche culture in particular or Native Americans in general? Starting point is 00:08:15 horse basically altered the entire balance of power in the plains. And the tribe that got the Starting point is 00:08:53 What is his other book about the various large land animals that went extinct here in North America? Starting point is 00:09:38 Yeah. Starting point is 00:10:04 and they kick the Spanish out, and like tens of thousands of horses get fe when there's a great pueblo revolt and they kick the spanish Starting point is 00:10:40 No one exactly knows what it was in the heart and soul of a Comanche that could do Starting point is 00:11:14 And even though the Apaches were the first ones to ...

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On Joe Rogan Experience #1397 with S.C. Gwynne, topics include Comanche History, Native American Culture, American West, and Horse Warfare.

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