USC Libraries Collection of Western Europe History

Western europe history is the study of the history of countries and regions north of the Mediterranean Sea that are generally considered to be part of the West. In the United States, the term Western Europe is usually used to refer to the area comprising Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,…

The Western History Association

The Western History Association is dedicated to fostering scholarship and teaching that advance the study of the American West. We do this by providing a forum for teachers, scholars, students, and professionals to share their research and ideas; sponsoring lectures and colloquies; awarding scholarships and fellowships; and publishing the award-winning Western Historical Quarterly. A primary…

The Best Western History Museums

When it comes to the American West, there are few institutions more revered than a western history museum. These venerable repositories honor the frontier’s people, the culture and the landscape. They also provide a valuable educational resource by helping visitors understand the past and appreciate its place in modern society. The National Cowboy & Western…

The Western Trail and Cowboys

The Western Trail was one of the primary migration routes for settlers, miners and travelers to California or Oregon before the transcontinental railroad was built. During its heyday the trail was used by some 400,000 people, including 4,000 who died. The death rate was high because of the grueling journey and harsh conditions over which…

What Is Western History?

Western history is a broad and complex topic that encompasses much more than the histories of individual countries. It includes the study of Europe, Latin America and the Pacific Islands, among other continents, as well as a large part of modern-day Asia and Africa. It is a rich source of ideas that continue to shape…