American West history

The American West history centers on exploration, settlement, and development from the 1800s onward. It involves westward expansion driven by the pursuit of land, opportunity, and resources, often impacted by government policies like the Homestead Act. This period saw the displacement of Indigenous peoples, the building of railroads, and the rise of mining, ranching, and farming industries. The West became a symbol of opportunity and rugged individualism, shaping modern America’s identity, economy, and cultural landscape. Despite progress, it also includes complex issues such as conflicts, displacement, and environmental change.