The Accuracy of Western Movies in Depicting the Wild West: A Historical Analysis

Western movies, with their iconic cowboys, majestic landscapes, and dramatic storylines, have captivated audiences for decades. These films often portray historical events and conflicts during the Wild West period in America. However, to what extent do Westerns accurately depict the historical context and realities of that era?

Settlers, Cowboys, and Native Americans: Economic and Social Dynamics

One of the most prevalent stereotypes in Western movies is the portrayal of settlers as cowboys and cowboys as natural enemies of Native Americans. In reality, this depiction is inaccurate. Farmers, rather than cowboys, were often the primary economic competitors with Native Americans. Settlers encroached on territories granted to Native Americans, leading to frequent conflicts stemming from economic incompatibility rather than ethnic hostility.

Contrastingly, cowboys during the Wild West period were more akin to semi-nomadic “tribes” that hunted bovines. Their methods and lifestyles were different from those of the nomadic plains tribes, reflecting a unique socio-economic relationship rather than a definitive military threat.

Settlers Attacked, Saved, or Both?

Western movies often portray settlers being attacked by Native Americans and then saved by noble cavalry soldiers. However, this is a highly romanticized and biased portrayal of events.

Following the Civil War, most interactions between settlers and Native Americans were characterized by settlers encroaching on territories granted to Native Americans. The U.S. military, instead, spent much of its time trying to dissuade settlers from encroaching. Massacres such as the one at Sand Creek, where the Colorado militia massacred Arapaho and Cheyenne bands who were committed to honoring treaty rights, were far more common and brutal.

The extermination of much of California’s Native American population during the Civil War was carried out by militia units melded into the Army. These units often engaged in unauthorized attacks on Native Americans, disregarding their orders from Washington D.C. The notable exception is the massacre at Wounded Knee, where the 7th Cavalry took revenge on Ghost Dance participants following their earlier defeat at Little Big Horn.

The trope of cavalry soldiers rescuing settlers was largely popularized by Buffalo Bill Cody through his Wild West Show. While there are documented instances of Native Americans attacking settlers, particularly during the Apache bands' guerilla campaigns, these were not the norm.

Historical Realities and Cultural Misrepresentations

Western movies often feature older actors in roles that represent historical figures. This can create a significant dissonance with the historical context. Historically, most people, including cowboys, married quite young, often in their late teens. The trend of early marriages was not considered taboo in almost any culture until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The shift towards older marriage ages is attributed to the Eugenics movement, which gained traction with concerns about overpopulation.

These misrepresentations reflect a cultural shift towards modern values and population control, which influenced even historically-themed movies during the nuclear age. As such, the depictions of life in Western movies often contrast dramatically with the actual historical realities of the Wild West period.

Further Reading and Conclusion

For a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the Wild West, readers are encouraged to consult works such as Ned Blackhawk’s The Fate of Eurasia: Indigenous Transnationalism and the Pacific World and Patty Limerick and Richard White’s The Modern Surround: Encountering the Wild West on Screen. These works provide comprehensive insights into the complexities of the period and the misrepresentations found in Western movies.

By analyzing the historical context and cultural shifts that have influenced Western movies, we can better understand the nuances of this iconic genre and appreciate the complexities of the Wild West period in American history.