Spanning the years from the first European advance into the wilderness to the dawn of the 20th century, the series portrays the profound, often devastating impact the onrushing white settlers, adventurers and exploiters had on Indian peoples and the land. In vivid imagery and in words spoken by many of today’s best-known personalities, The West shows how the discovery of gold in California changed the country forever. Witness the torrent of violence triggered by the Civil War, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the tragedies at Little Big Horn and Wounded Knee — all the key events and the people who created and shaped this great American story. Directed by Stephen Ives. Produced by Stephen Ives, Michael Kantor, and Jody Abramson. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward. Executive Producer, Ken Burns. 1996
