Year 501
The Conquest Continues
By: Noam Chomsky
.The great work of subjugation and conquest. has changed little over the years. Analyzing Haiti, Latin America, Cuba, Indonesia, and even pockets of the Third World developing in the United States, Noam Chomsky draws parallels between the genocide of colonial times and the murder and exploitation associated with modern-day imperialism.
AI Overview
Overview of "Year 501: The Conquest Continues" by Noam Chomsky
Key Themes
- Historical Perspective: The book provides a comprehensive historical analysis of the world from 1492 to 1992, focusing on the European conquest and its ongoing impacts.
- Colonialism and Imperialism: Chomsky examines the legacy of colonialism and modern-day imperialism, highlighting the exploitation and genocide associated with these phenomena.
- Global Economic Order: The book critiques the global economic order, portraying it as a system where value is determined by price tags, reducing human beings to commodities.
- U.S. Role in the World: Chomsky delves into the role of the United States as a powerful empire, analyzing its involvement in various regions such as Haiti, Latin America, Cuba, and Indonesia.
Plot Summary
"Year 501: The Conquest Continues" is a historical critique that challenges the celebratory tone of the Columbus Quincentenary. Chomsky argues that the 500-year period since Columbus's voyage has been marked by continuous conquest and exploitation. The book is structured to provide a long-term perspective on these events, drawing parallels between historical colonialism and modern-day imperialism.
Chapters in the book include detailed analyses of specific regions and events, such as:
- Haiti: Chomsky discusses the tragic history of Haiti, from its initial promise as the "First Free Nation of Free Men" to its subsequent exploitation and suffering.
- Latin America: The book examines the ongoing impact of colonialism and U.S. intervention in Latin America.
- Cuba: Chomsky critiques U.S. policies towards Cuba, highlighting the historical context of U.S.-Cuba relations.
- Indonesia: The book discusses the exploitation and violence associated with U.S. involvement in Indonesia.
Critical Reception
The book has received widespread critical acclaim for its insightful and devastating portrayal of U.S. foreign policy and global economic systems.
Howard Zinn: "Year 501 is another awesome achievement by Noam Chomsky. It is a devastating array of information about the U.S. role in the world, placed in the long historical perspective of the 500 years that followed the voyages of Columbus. The result is a wonderful single-volume education in history and world politics."
Eduardo Galeano: "This book portrays the world born five centuries ago: An immense supermarket where value is determined by price tags. What is the price of an intellectual? Chomsky's fierce talent proves once more that human beings are not condemned to become commodities."
Editions and Translations
The book was first published in English in 1993 and was quickly translated into several languages, including Spanish, German, Portuguese, Greek, Italian, French, Arabic, Serbian, Polish, and Korean. A new edition with a new preface was published in English in 2015 by Haymarket Books and Pluto Press, and later in French (2016) and Turkish (2017) .
Additional Context
Chomsky's work on "Year 501" was influenced by his earlier writings, and some chapters were initially developed for another book, "Rethinking Camelot: JFK, the Vietnam War, and U.S. Political Culture" . The book's comprehensive analysis and critical perspective have made it a significant contribution to the fields of history, politics, and international relations.