Massacre Quote by Wallace Stegner
““The Cypress Hills massacre,...one of the final outrages of the literally lawless West...came...along that practical and symbolic divide, between the Canadian system of monopoly trading and the American system of competition, whiskey, bullets, exploitation, and extermination.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner, 1971
The quote critiques the violent clash between monopolistic Canadian trade and chaotic American frontier capitalism, highlighting moral decay.
In simple terms: It points out the brutal conflict between controlled trade and lawless competition.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how unchecked competition can lead to exploitation.
Themes
history
economics
morality
colonialism
violence
Mood
critical
reflective
somber
Type
historical
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- Historical analysis
- policy debate
- educational curriculum
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Monopoly vs competition
frontier myth
resource exploitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern markets reflect similar moral tensions?
- What responsibilities do societies have to regulate exploitation?
A Different Perspective
The perspective may oversimplify complex causes of frontier violence.
![“Thank God for Canada! In the context of this narrative [in Underground] and beyond, Canada was certainly an additional option for the many traveling the treacherous terrain of the Underground Railroad in pursuit of what was perceived as "freedom."” quote by Aisha Hinds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc7/aisha-hinds-19362_canada_thank-god-for-canada-in-the-context-of-t_2218193.jpg)
