The panoramic documentary reveals the American West stripped of its Hollywood mythology, yet with intense drama and larger-than-life heroes and villains. The series portrays the profound, often devastating impact the onrushing white settlers, adventurers, and exploiters had on Native Americans and the land. Packed with vivid imagery and famous personalities, The West shows how the discovery of gold in California changed the country forever. The videos present an inclusive history covering Native Americans, white settlers and cowboys, Hispanic explorers, and others.