Nevada History

You have been tasked with explaining to a group of Japanese middle school students how Nevada became a state in 1864 and why that matters for the history of the US, the US West, and Nevada. For now, keep your discussion of significance to 1864 and earlier. Questions to consider: What is the main idea that you want your audience to walk away with? What do they need to know to understand the argument you are making? How should you best organize your evidence to convey your thesis to your audience?
Thesis: Nevada becoming a state was for the progress of the country.