This Westernised Robin Hood's reign of terror lasted 12 years from 1870-1882 and as a result many people lost their lives.
James' views were shaped by the 1861-1865 civil war, in which he fought for the Confederates which were the people who were highly sophisticated, well educated and pro-slavery.
At 16 years old James joined a 'Gorilla unit' who named themselves the Bushwackers and were involved in 'political cleansing' i.e. they went from house to house killing men who were pro-Union, not Confederate. The Bushwackers killed Union prisoners and unarmed civillians.
Post Civil war the Confederates merged with the Conservetive Unionists and James became their hero. He robbed banks owned by Radical Unionists (their bitter opponents), thus winning votes from members of his party. James linked his 'gang' with politics, He wrote letters to the press stating that they were the victims and had no choice but to strike against the injustice, but the fact is that James robbed for his own benefit.
Jesse James became a legend in his own time, but why?
John Newman-Edwards used his newspaper to praise Jesse James, he claimed James was 'A hero of the people who had been repressed'. Jesse James became a heroic figure for those who opposed Republican Government.
A new film due for release in 2007 entitled 'The Assassination of Jesse James' stars Brad Pitt portraying the time surrounding the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw.
Do you agree with Newman-Edward's views? Please leave your comments on your thoughts and views on Jesse James.
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