Elliott West Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Elliott West Analysis - Essay Example Therefore, west systematically presents an account of how geography, animals, weather, and climate shaped the life and experience of both the Euro- Americans and the natives of this region. West introduces the text by explaining how the history of these Great Plains is much more than â€Å"changing the Indians and the gold rush.†1 Rather to offer a broader experience of the people in the Great Plains, West critically examines the physical biological and environmental factors, and the effects which resulted from the interaction of these issues. Therefore, West offers a more broad account of the events in the Great Plains, and how these events interplayed to define the lives of people in this region; not only the rush to exploit the gold by gold seekers, in the Great Plains. â€Å"The contested plains are a significant contribution to the growing field of environmental history.†2 The conflict in the Great Plains was a remarkable event, which would later have a remarkable account on environment in history. This is well portrayed when West takes the reader through many centuries through different adaptations to the central Plains while at the same time stressing on the physical and biological constraints of the inhabitants of these plains. However, West puts some emphasis on the environment, and cultural impact of the Colorado gold rush, which marked several instances of clashes between the American military forces and the Cheyenne in 1857 at Solomon River and 1869 at Summit Springs. 3 The native inhabitants in the plains had well established trade patterns throughout the plains, battling constantly with the drastic climate and severe environmental changes. The people were remarkably successful, and established a â€Å"sustaining way of life.†4 The diverse cultures in this region, which formed a complex ecological complex,