Explore the transformative impact of the Civil War on the American West in this 46-minute lecture from The Aspen Institute. Delve into the complex interplay between federal power, territorial expansion, and the institution of slavery. Examine key historical developments such as the Northwest Ordinances and Reconstruction, while considering their effects on race relations and the role of Black Americans. Gain insights into the evolution from territories to states, the end of the frontier, and the lasting implications for birthright citizenship in the United States.