The Hidden Truth Revealed: Kevin Costner's Civil War Epic Debunks Historical Misconceptions

Summary

Historian Garry Adelman finds multiple inaccuracies in Dances with Wolves' portrayal of the Civil War, including the depiction of amputation and weaponry usage.

Adelman contends that the film inadequately depicts the usage of painkillers and the precise medical techniques employed during Civil War amputations. Moreover, Dances with Wolves' shortcomings encompass more than just historical inaccuracies. The criticism is focused on the portrayal of Native Americans and the unrealistic depiction of benevolence exhibited by White Americans towards them.

According to historian Garry Adelman, Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves contains some historical inaccuracies regarding the Civil War. Adelman identifies flaws in the movie's opening sequences, such as the portrayal of an open-field battle, a sniper shooting, and a medical scene. He criticizes the depiction of amputation, noting that it is shown as more dangerous than it actually was during the Civil War, where it was a routine and safe procedure. Adelman also points out inconsistencies in the weaponry usage and the absence of proper barriers in an open field.

In an open field, I would be delighted to have half of my body shielded by a fence made of slats. Although a large boulder would be preferred, I am grateful for anything that increases my chances of survival and allows my troops to better defend against the enemy.

Once you have determined the range of your weapon, it can be remarkably accurate. However, hitting a moving target from the side is a challenging task, even for skilled marksmen. While it is certainly possible, it is highly unlikely that he would have been able to make it through a barrage of bullets unscathed. It is plausible that he could have been shot while resting, as he was well within musket range. However, the Civil War offers numerous examples of situations where an opponent's bravery spared them from being shot, demonstrating a sense of honor and chivalry.

Contrary to popular belief, Civil War surgeons did not perform amputations without the use of painkillers or preparation. Morphine or ether were commonly used to alleviate pain during surgeries, allowing surgeons to carefully prepare for amputations by cutting away the muscle and sawing through the bone. Amputations were the most common surgical procedure during the Civil War because surgeons lacked the expertise to handle internal injuries, making amputations a viable treatment option for extremity wounds. Although Civil War surgeons were aware of the concept of infection, they did not yet have an understanding of microbiology. Nonetheless, significant medical advancements were made during this time, leading to progress in finding a cure for the dreaded gangrene infection.

I’m going to give this clip a 6/10.”

Dances With Wolves’ Legacy is Even More Complicated Than Its War Inaccuracies

Adelman's rating for Dances with Wolves is surprisingly high considering how meticulously he analyzed the Western film. The inaccuracy in depicting amputation and exaggeration of soldiers' living conditions, considering the widespread nature of such situations, seems completely unfounded. Although Dances with Wolves received critical acclaim, it can be clearly stated that its historical accuracy played no role in it. However, the film's flawed concerns go beyond its inaccurate portrayal of the Civil War.

The central criticism of Dances with Wolves revolves around its portrayal of the soldier's interaction with the Native American tribe. Despite the movie's inclusion of Native American performers, such as Graham Greene, it has faced ongoing criticism for its depiction of indigenous people and their relationships with White Americans during that time period. While the Native American characters in the film are multidimensional and defy the flat stereotypes seen in previous works, the story itself is unrealistic in its portrayal of John Dunbar's benevolence towards Native Americans, who were actually subjected to constant oppression by White people rather than respect.

Regrettably, Dances with Wolves fails to effectively address the violence against Native Americans. Like its treatment of the Civil War history, the film strives to present a comprehensive period piece but often falls short. Consequently, Adelman's rating of barely 6 out of 10 can also be applied more broadly to the movie's handling of representation, culture, and history as a whole.

Source: Insider