American historian, Frederick Jackson Turner, set the world ablaze as he announced his
new theory. With one statement, he began a controversy that would last for years. In 1893, he presented his paper, “The Significance of the
Frontier in American History” to the American Historical
Society in Chicago.
This is the essence of what he said, “The existence of the area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development.”
Turner believed that we should interpret the present in terms of the past. In the 21st century, this theme is often repeated, but was revolutionary in the 1800’s.
According to the census, when the population in the
west reached two persons per square mile an area was considered settled. The Atlantic Coast, which is the birthplace of freedom, was being civilized and structured. Meanwhile, the West was seen as an opportunity to be claimed and tamed. The excitement of
freedom was being relived as a man and his family traveled each new mile of frontier.
People who had fled Europe
settled America. They brought along their European
ways and ideals, and adapted them to their new American home.
As the move West began, settlers experienced a new way of life, something truly American. Their European ways were stripped away and a unique American lifestyle was created.
The Indians taught them how to survive in this virgin territory. A new tradition was formed as parts of the old and the new mingled. The American way was born.
A map of the westward movement would illustrate the routes that were settled. This gives a one-dimensional perspective to their quest. The better picture is viewed as you consider the wisdom that was passed along from this leapfrog progress across America. What was learned in Wisconsin could be duplicated in Oregon with some modifications and improvements. They gained knowledge from each other and improved their society as they progressed.
The hierarchy of employment expanded as the nation grew. Many men started out as hunters and then advanced to farming. To meet the needs of the farmer and the trapper, merchants and traders established their businesses. Different areas grew at a different pace depending on the needs of the people and what the land produced.
The expansion and development of the American frontier decreased its dependence on England. American society and infrastructure were being established. The basic tenets of supply and demand were addressed. The birthplace of freedom was beginning to grow and mature. With the announcement that the frontier was officially settled, there was a shift in society’s mindset. No longer were there vast stretches of territory to escape when you disagreed with the rules of society. There was still room for growth, but the American frontier unbridled was gone. America was now settled from ocean to ocean, and the foundation of the future had been laid.
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