Questioning History: The American West

'Questioning History': The verdict of history is rarely clear and undisputed. In this series, significant events and controversial personalities of recent history are examined in the light of the debates and questions they have generated.

'The American West': From the Oregon Trail and the California gold rush to the Civil War and the building of the railroad, the history of the American West has been full of conflict. Events have been interpreted in many ways, from the differing perspectives of American Indian peoples, white settlers, gold prospectors, slaves, slave-owners, preachers, cowboys, gunfighters and soldiers. This book explores some of the most pressing questions.

Features:
- Why and how did the American Indian peoples lose their land?
- What were the real economic, social and environmental consequences of opening up the American West?
- How did struggles between homesteaders, cowboys and cattle barons lead to the decline of traditional ranching?