Reevaluating Violence in the Old West

Categories: War

Essay, Pages 3 (575 words)

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When discussing the Old West, the common perception is often one of cowboys, outlaws, and violence. However, the reality of violence in the Old West may not be as extreme as popular culture portrays it to be. One of the main reasons for this misconception is the influence of Western movies, which tend to sensationalize and exaggerate the violence of the era. In reality, the Old West was a complex and diverse place with a rich history that goes beyond gunfights and lawlessness.

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To truly understand the Old West, it is important to delve into its history, particularly the Great Plains region. The Great Plains were originally inhabited by Native American tribes whose way of life revolved around the buffalo. They lived in tepees and followed the buffalo herds for sustenance. However, in the mid-19th century, white settlers began to move westward, leading to conflicts with the indigenous populations. The settlers viewed the Great Plains as uninhabitable and sought to claim the land for themselves, leading to the displacement of Native Americans and the decimation of the buffalo population.

These tensions over land ownership and differing cultural beliefs fueled the conflict between Native Americans and European settlers.

Turning our attention to the towns of the Old West, historical documents provide insights into the levels of violence in these communities. While some towns, such as Cattle Towns, had relatively low homicide rates averaging around 3 per year, others like Benton experienced much higher rates of violence, with an average of one murder per day.

This disparity in violence levels suggests that not all towns in the Old West were equally dangerous. Additionally, ordinances and laws in these towns aimed to regulate behavior and prevent violence, indicating that efforts were made to maintain order and civility.

Examining the conflicts on the western plains, reports such as Document 6 shed light on the Battle of Beecher’s Island, a violent confrontation between the US Army and Plains Native American tribes in 1868. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, highlighting the brutality of warfare in the West. However, when comparing the Indian Wars to other American conflicts, Document 7 reveals that the Indian Wars were relatively less violent, challenging the notion of the Old West as a lawless and chaotic place.

Further evidence supporting the idea that the Old West was not as violent as commonly believed can be found in Document 9 and 10. Document 9 cites accounts from various sources that report relatively few major conflicts with Native Americans, suggesting that instances of violence were not as widespread as perceived. Document 10 provides statistics on combat deaths in the absence of two significant battles, indicating that the overall level of violence in the Old West may have been lower than assumed.

In conclusion, while the Old West was undoubtedly a challenging and tumultuous period in American history, it may not have been as violent as popular culture often depicts. The myths and exaggerations surrounding the era have contributed to a skewed perception of the realities of life in the Old West. By examining historical documents and accounts, it becomes clear that the Old West was a complex and nuanced time, with varying levels of violence and conflict. It is important to consider the full context of the era in order to gain a more accurate understanding of the complexities of life in the Old West.