"Defining Documents in American History: The American West offers a broad range of historical documents on important figures and topics in American West research.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. From speeches to journal entries, government documents and newspaper articles, students and researchers will gain new insights into America's westward expansion, through the thoughts and letters of the brave Americans who ventured out to seek their fortunes and reshape our nation."--Publisher description.