Fredrick Jackson Turner’s Thesis was one of the most widely praised and widely criticized theses of all time. Within his thesis, Turner proclaimed the close of the frontier even though much of the west remained unsettled. He claimed that the western lands had prompted many Americans to venture through terrible conditions to establish new lands, societies, and value unique only to the frontier. The settlers were all distinct and brave settlers who lived by their own code and reverted back to a simpler life, living on just necessities. Without the settling of the west, there would have been no eastern progression. Turner believed that we could no merely expand only technologically, but that it is vital to expand physically as well.
Turner justified the expansion with the claim that all of the western land was free land. He completely disregarded the Indian presence in the west. Nowhere within his thesis, however, did Turner give any mention to the struggles of women or children. Turner claimed that the western expansion helped to reflect the values of Americans. When intelligence and experience combined with the hardship and struggle of the expansion, a new society was created. Americans were profound individuals who were not afraid of sacrifice and willing to devote their time and energy to the betterment of their cause.
The Essay on The Turner Thesis Frontier American West
In 1893, historian Frederick Jackson Turner made an historic speech at the Columbian Exhibition. In his address, he spoke on, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History." Turner's hypothesis was that the frontier was the single most important influence on the development of the United States and its values. He spoke of the frontier's important influence on America for the first time ...
Western expansionists forged a new life out of broken bones and lost lives. The societies they formed were both unique and everlasting. While European nations were coming to an end in their physical frontier expansion, America was just at its beginning. Turner believed our westward progression would ultimately bring us to greatness. I do believe that our characters are carved out from our struggle and suffering and how we are able to adapt to the situation. The western settlers are perfect examples of individuals who were cast into a new mold and created anew as rural settlers.
By living on mere required supplies, they were able to help establish a new, great country. Turner, however, only highlighted the struggles and victories of the white American male. He never included the stories of the women, minorities, or children. Turner also neglected the fact that the “free land” he spoke of was already technically settled by the Indians. Overall, however, Turner’s thesis helps pain a vibrant picture of frontier to inspire future settlers in their overcome the next frontier, whatever that may be.
