I have to explain the concept of the west and its inhabitants during the last half of the 19th cnetury and explain the transition of the identity of the indian leading into the early 20th century. can someone please tell me where i can find information about this?

These sites (found by Googling Native Americans 19th century) should give you a good start.

http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~mmagouli/endfront.htm

http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/immig/native_american4.html

http://www.nativeamericans.com/

http://www.teacheroz.com/19thcent.htm#west

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States

thank you for the websites. im having trouble understanding the question. can u just explain to me what they are asking? (Explain the whole concept of the west and its inhabitants as "vanashing" and how does this explain the transition of the identity of the Indian leading into the 20th century) does it have to do with cencus reports?

During the 19th century, the West was far from where most people lived or traveled. It was the wild frontier. The main inhabitants were Native Americans who had many conflicts with the European-Americans then, but by the early 20th-century, we heard nothing about conflicts between the two groups.

Your question is asking what happened to the militant Native Americans? Do the census records indicate where they went or if their numbers decreased?

Why is this essay question confusing me so much! I don't know where to begin with it. im sure its not as complicating as i am making it.

Take each part separately.

1. What was the concept of the West and its inhabitants during the last half of the 19th century?

2. How did the Indians change (or did they?) from about 1850 to 1910?

To find information about the concept of the West and its inhabitants during the last half of the 19th century and the transition of the identity of the Indian leading into the early 20th century, there are several resources you can explore:

1. Books: Visit your local library or search online bookstores for books that specifically discuss the history and culture of the American West during the 19th century. Look for titles that cover topics such as westward expansion, Native American history, and the social and cultural changes that occurred during this period.

2. Academic Journals: Search databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, or your institution's library database for scholarly articles related to the West and Native Americans during the specified time frame. These articles will provide in-depth analysis and references to primary sources.

3. Online Archives: There are various digital archives available that provide access to primary sources, such as letters, diaries, photographs, and government records from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Library of Congress and National Archives websites are excellent places to start.

4. Museums and Historical Sites: Visit museums and historical sites that focus on the American West. Places like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Autry Museum of the American West, and various national and state parks offer exhibits, artifacts, and educational materials related to this historical period.

5. Online Resources: Explore websites dedicated to American history, Native American studies, or western history. The American West section of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian website are good starting points.

Remember to critically evaluate your sources for credibility and consider multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic.