Defining Documents in American History : American West (1836-1900)

Provides readers with a new, interesting way to study the impact of the American West on American history. Through in-depth analysis of important primary documents from 1836-1900, readers will gain new insight into the causes, issues and lasting effects of this pivotal time in American history.

Defining Documents in American History: The American West offers a broad range of historical documents on important figures and topics in American West research. Written by historians and experts in the field, this resource examines a wide array of primary source documents with an in-depth critical analysis. Articles begin by introducing the reader to the document's historical context, followed by a description of the author's life and circumstances in which the document was written. A document analysis guides readers in understanding key elements of language, rhetoric, and social and political meaning that define the significance of the author and the document in American history.