List at least two ideas that Richard White’s The Middle Ground sought to oust.

Richard White's "The Middle Ground" sought to challenge and oust several prevalent ideas about American history, particularly regarding the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers. Two significant ideas that White aimed to critique are:

1. The Unidirectional Nature of Colonial Power: White challenges the notion that European settlers had a solely dominant and oppressive influence over Native American societies. He argues instead for a more nuanced understanding of the interactions between the two groups, emphasizing the ways in which both parties negotiated power, formed alliances, and influenced one another. This perspective highlights the complexity of these relationships rather than portraying them as purely one-sided.

2. The Dichotomy Between Civilization and Savagery: White takes issue with the simplistic binary that categorizes Native Americans as "savage" and Europeans as "civilized." He illustrates how both cultures had their own systems of governance, trade, and social organization, advocating for a view that recognizes the legitimacy and agency of Native American societies. By doing so, he aims to dismantle stereotypes and encourage a more integrated understanding of cultural interactions during the colonial period.

These ideas contribute to a more balanced historiography that acknowledges the multiplicity of experiences and perspectives in early American history.