Women in the American West

Book excerpt: Synthesizes the development of women's history in the region, and introduces readers to current thinking on the real experiences of Western women and their influence on the course of expansion and development from the 19th century to the present. Offers portrayals of women as pioneers, prostitutes, teachers, disguised soldiers, nurses, entrepreneurs, immigrants, and ordinary citizens caught up in extraordinary times. Organized chronologically, each chapter emphasizes important themes central to gender and women's history, including women's mobility, women at home, wage labor, immigration, marriage, political participation, and involvement in wars at home and abroad.--Publisher's description.