Lesson 1.1. The Study of Western
History
List three reasons why it is important to study the American West. - answer The West
played a key role in developing the United States, in developing a unique American
mythology, and in race relations in the United States.
Describe how the history of the West might be considered the history of the United
States. - answer Western history explores the issues of expansion, mythology, race
relations and other key ideas in the history of the United States. Looking at western
history allows us to see United States history on a smaller, more understandable scale.
Briefly describe the mythology of America. - answer The mythology of America includes
the cowboy, noble American Indian, fallen woman, and trusty sidekick. It also includes
sayings and images of the land.
Name three of the races that came into contact with one another in the West. - answer
Europeans came west; Asians came east; Spanish/Mexicans came north; or American
Indians were already in the West
History
List three reasons why it is important to study the American West. - answer The West
played a key role in developing the United States, in developing a unique American
mythology, and in race relations in the United States.
Describe how the history of the West might be considered the history of the United
States. - answer Western history explores the issues of expansion, mythology, race
relations and other key ideas in the history of the United States. Looking at western
history allows us to see United States history on a smaller, more understandable scale.
Briefly describe the mythology of America. - answer The mythology of America includes
the cowboy, noble American Indian, fallen woman, and trusty sidekick. It also includes
sayings and images of the land.
Name three of the races that came into contact with one another in the West. - answer
Europeans came west; Asians came east; Spanish/Mexicans came north; or American
Indians were already in the West
