There are a number of factors that led to the start of the Wild West.
* The American Civil War: The Civil War divided the United States into two factions, the North and the South. After the war, many soldiers from both sides moved west in search of new opportunities. These veterans were often armed and experienced in combat, and they were willing to use violence to protect their interests.
* The Homestead Act of 1862: The Homestead Act gave public land in the West to settlers for free, as long as they lived on the land and improved it. This law encouraged millions of people to move west in search of land, and it also led to conflicts between settlers and Native Americans.
* The Transcontinental Railroad: The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 made it easier for people to travel to the West. This led to an increase in settlement and economic development in the region, but it also brought lawlessness and violence.
* The Cattle Industry: The cattle industry was a major economic driver in the West. Cowboys herded cattle from the ranches in Texas to the railheads in Kansas, where they were shipped to market. The cattle industry was often violent, and it was common for cowboys to clash with ranchers, farmers, and Native Americans.
* The Mining Industry: The discovery of gold and silver in the West led to a number of mining booms. These booms brought thousands of people to the West, and they often resulted in lawlessness and violence.
The Wild West was a time of great opportunity and danger. It was a time of lawlessness and violence, but it was also a time of great hope and progress.