key term - Las Vegas

Definition

Las Vegas is a city in Nevada, known primarily for its vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and gambling. During the Spanish colonial period, it served as an important settlement due to its strategic location along trade routes, which facilitated interactions between various cultures and played a role in the establishment of missions in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Las Vegas was originally established as a watering stop for travelers crossing the Mojave Desert in the 19th century.
2. The city was named after the Spanish word for 'the meadows,' referring to the area's spring-fed meadows that supported early settlement.
3. In 1855, Las Vegas was founded by Mormon settlers who aimed to create a fort and establish agricultural activities in the region.
4. The arrival of the railroad in 1905 significantly boosted Las Vegas's growth, transforming it into a bustling center for commerce and travel.
5. Las Vegas became synonymous with entertainment and gambling after World War II, evolving into a major tourist destination in the decades that followed.

Review Questions

• How did Las Vegas's geographical location influence its development during the Spanish colonial period?
  • Las Vegas's strategic location along key trade routes made it an essential watering stop for travelers and traders. This position facilitated not only trade but also cultural exchanges between various groups. Its proximity to resources such as water allowed it to support early settlements, thus contributing to its significance during the Spanish colonial efforts in the area.
• Discuss the impact of early settlements on Las Vegas's evolution as a community during its early years.
  • Early settlements in Las Vegas, particularly by Mormon settlers, played a pivotal role in shaping its community structure. The establishment of agricultural practices and a fort created a foundation for sustained growth. This laid the groundwork for future developments and attracted more settlers and traders, ultimately leading to Las Vegas’s transformation into a prominent settlement during Spanish colonization.
• Evaluate how Las Vegas's transition from a colonial outpost to a modern entertainment hub reflects broader patterns in U.S. history.
  • Las Vegas's evolution from a modest colonial outpost to a thriving entertainment hub mirrors broader patterns of urbanization and economic development in U.S. history. The post-World War II era saw a nationwide trend towards suburbanization and leisure culture, which Las Vegas capitalized on by promoting itself as a destination for entertainment and gambling. This shift illustrates how changing social dynamics and economic conditions can reshape cities and their identities over time.

Related terms

Mission San Miguel: A mission established in 1598 as part of Spain's efforts to convert Native Americans to Christianity and settle the area that is now New Mexico.

Trade Routes:

Pathways used for the exchange of goods and cultural interactions, essential for the movement of people and resources during the Spanish colonial period.

Spanish Colonization:

The process by which Spain established control over vast territories in the Americas, leading to significant cultural exchanges and the spread of Catholicism.