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The West
Exploring The West
Spanish, British, French, Chinese, and Russian explorers came to the West from every point of the compass. Native Americans, its original inhabitants, have lived there for so long that their stories of creation linked them to the land itself.
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1:02:58
As the 20th century neared, Americans celebrated with the World Columbian Exposition.
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58:38
As settlers race to claim tribal lands, Native Americans take up the Ghost Dance.
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1:24:53
Newcomers arrive by the millions, bringing a spirit of conformity to the West.
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1:25:06
The federal government tightens its grip on the West.
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1:24:33
A triumph of the human spirit, the transcontinental railroad opens a new era in the West.
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1:24:47
Civil war comes early to the West.
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1:24:49
The Gold Rush brings the whole world to the West.
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1:24:31
Americans head west along many pathways.
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1:22:20
The West begins as the whole world to the people who live there. It becomes a New World.