How 'Wild' was the Wild West (Short Animated Documentary)

Summary by Krater

This video examines common misconceptions about the American Wild West, comparing popular tropes like rowdy saloons, constant gunfights, and lawlessness to historical realities.

From the video

Answers: How wild was the American Wild West?

• Wild West history
• Cowboy culture
• Saloon myths
• Law and order in the frontier
• Native American relations

What it concludes

• Most saloons in the Wild West were essentially workers' clubs rather than lawless brawl venues.
• Cowboys were ranch workers who spent their time protecting cattle rather than engaging in frequent gunfights.
• Violence towards Native Americans was largely driven by the central government and roaming gangs rather than inter-community conflicts.
• Crime rates in frontier towns like California during the gold rush were primarily alcohol-related rather than plagued by serious systemic violence.
• The trope of tying people to railroad tracks originated in dime novels rather than actual common occurrences.