The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

Discover what the Wild West was really like as acclaimed Professor Patrick N. Allitt reveals the truth behind our cherished stories.

Overview Course No. 8552

Our understanding of the American West has moved far beyond pop culture in recent years. The legendary people and events we associate with the Wild West—such as the last stand at the Alamo, the Battle of Little Bighorn, the exploits of Calamity Jane, and the hardships of the Oregon Trail—are even more fascinating once the historical realities have been separated from the myths.

Designed to shine a light on the American frontier, these 24 lectures are a way for you to experience the grit and grandeur of an epic period in American history. Professor Allitt uncovers new historical angles and perspectives about events and themes ranging from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Indian Removal Act to the creation of America’s first national parks.

You’ll cover more than 200 years of history and the most important events, themes, and ideas that form the backbone of the frontier’s reality—and legend. Among these: the Transcontinental Railroad, the idea of Manifest Destiny, the Gold Rush, the Trail of Tears, and (yes) cowboys. You’ll also learn how popular culture—novels like Little House on the Prairie, paintings by artists like Frederic Remington, and decades of Western films—can actually clue us in to the intimate details of life for everyday men and women.

Saddle up for an exciting adventure in learning.

Video Lectures

01: Westward the Course of Empire

Explore how the American West was shaped by centuries of myth-making and what it is about westward expansion that has fascinated every generation of Americans.

• Duration: 31 min

02: The West in the Colonial Era

Examine the mark left by the earliest colonists on the American West, including the Spaniards, French, and English.

• Duration: 31 min

03: Venturing beyond the Appalachians

Learn about the organization of territory between the Appalachians and the Mississippi post-Revolutionary War.

• Duration: 30 min

04: Discoveries of Lewis and Clark

Follow the journey of Lewis and Clark and understand their impact on the Louisiana Purchase.

• Duration: 31 min

05: The Fur Trade and the Mountain Men

Discover why fur was a prized commodity and how mountain men like Jedediah Smith and Kit Carson became legends.

• Duration: 31 min

06: Trail of Tears

Examine the forced migration of the “Five Civilized Tribes” under the Indian Removal Act.

• Duration: 30 min

07: Struggles of the Plains Indians

Delve into the dramatic changes in the lives of the Plains Indians from 1830 to 1890.

• Duration: 30 min

08: Rebellious Texas and the Alamo

Learn about the last stand at the Alamo and the rebellious spirit of Texas.

• Duration: 32 min

09: Traveling the Oregon Trail

Explore the challenges faced by travelers on the Oregon Trail, including Brigham Young’s Mormons.

• Duration: 31 min

10: Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War

Understand the era of “Manifest Destiny” and its impact on the southwestern United States.

• Duration: 31 min

11: The California Gold Rush

Discover how the Gold Rush transformed American politics, demographics, and economy.

• Duration: 30 min

12: Bleeding Kansas and Civil War in the West

Investigate the period of chaos and warfare on the frontier linked to the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

• Duration: 31 min

13: Building the Transcontinental Railroads

Examine the myths and realities behind the linking of the West and Eastern states by rail.

• Duration: 30 min

14: Cowboys and Cattle Drives

Uncover the true lives of cowboys and the end of the open range.

• Duration: 30 min

15: Homesteaders on the Plains

Learn about the challenges faced by homesteaders and the rise of the People’s Party.

• Duration: 32 min

16: Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee

Study the key events that marked the end of Native American resistance.

• Duration: 31 min

17: Life in Western Towns and Cities

Survey different types of towns that developed in the American West, like Salt Lake City and San Francisco.

• Duration: 30 min

18: John Wesley Powell and the Desert Southwest

Explore Powell’s contributions to mapping and settling the desert Southwest.

• Duration: 30 min

19: Women in the Wild West

Understand the diverse roles of women and their contributions in the American West.

• Duration: 30 min

20: From Territories to Western States

Study the imperfect and often violent process of transforming territories into states.

• Duration: 29 min

21: Western Violence, Law, and Order

Investigate the causes of violence and how law and order were maintained in the West.

• Duration: 30 min

22: Protecting Yellowstone and Yosemite

Discover how America’s first national parks were created.

• Duration: 29 min

23: Mythology of the American West

Examine the persistent mythology of the West and its cultural impact.

• Duration: 30 min

24: Winning the West?

Consider the achievements and sufferings of America’s expansion to the Pacific.

• Duration: 32 min