This title explores the various debates surrounding the American West. As well as describing the reasons for migration to the West in the main text, the book consists of three different kinds of panel that appear throughout. The first examines events in question, the second looks at key people, and the third follows the 'what if?' approach - for example, for this title, 'what if the railroad had never reached the West?'. Split into thematically-based chapters, the book clearly and logically examines the many questions raised both at the time of the American West and since, with facts and opinions from leading historians. It is complete with full colour photographs, maps, detailed timeline and glossary.