western American history

Western American history involves the exploration, settlement, and development of the western United States. It includes the Native American peoples’ rich cultures, European exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, and the subsequent westward expansion driven by the Oregon Trail, Gold Rushes, and the construction of railroads. This expansion often displaced indigenous communities and transformed the landscape and economy. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid growth, urbanization, and the integration of the West into the broader American identity, shaping its diverse culture and economic landscape that persists today.