Western Violence, Law, and Order - The American West: History, Myth, and Legacy

Explore the tumultuous history of law and order in the American West through this 30-minute video lecture. Delve into the era of vigilante justice during the Gold Rush, where thieves faced trials by their peers without formal law enforcement. Examine the rise of citizen vigilance committees in response to hijackings and the formation of vigilante groups to combat cattle rustling. Investigate the Johnson County War and its corporate political implications. Discover how train robbers became romanticized in literature and film, while cattle town police forces implemented gun control measures. Analyze the racial tensions as Anglo-Saxons targeted minority immigrants over job competition. Uncover the emergence of labor unions from class conflicts in corporate mines and the subsequent intervention of state governors. Learn about President Woodrow Wilson's role in bringing peace to industrial disputes and how violence tainted perceptions of capitalism. Finally, observe the shift towards due process and literacy as alternatives to violent conflict resolution in the American West.