Frederick Jackson Turner

Definition

Frederick Jackson Turner was an American historian best known for his influential essay, 'The Significance of the Frontier in American History,' written in 1893. In it, he argued that the American frontier was crucial in shaping the national character, democracy, and economic growth. His ideas are particularly relevant when examining land acquisition policies and the development of frontier economies in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Turner's Frontier Thesis suggested that American democracy was formed by the experience of westward expansion and the challenges of living on the frontier.
2. He argued that the closing of the frontier in 1890 marked a significant turning point in American history, as it signaled the end of a unique era of growth and opportunity.
3. Turner believed that the frontier fostered a spirit of innovation and resilience among settlers, leading to economic development through agriculture and resource extraction.
4. His ideas contributed to a shift in historical perspective, focusing on regional experiences and the importance of land acquisition in shaping American society.
5. Turner's work laid the groundwork for future scholarship on American exceptionalism and the significance of place in historical narratives.

Review Questions

• How did Frederick Jackson Turner's ideas about the frontier influence contemporary views on land acquisition policies?
  • Turner's ideas emphasized that the frontier was integral to American identity and democracy, which influenced how policymakers viewed land acquisition. They began to see land not just as property but as essential to maintaining individualism and economic growth. This perspective fueled policies like the Homestead Act, which aimed to encourage settlement and development in western territories by providing access to land.
• Evaluate Turner's impact on historical interpretation regarding frontier economies in America.
  • Turner's impact on historical interpretation is significant because he shifted focus towards understanding how frontier economies emerged from settlement patterns and land use. His thesis encouraged historians to consider not only economic transactions but also cultural and social dynamics created by settlers interacting with the land. This holistic approach has influenced ongoing discussions about how frontier economies shaped local identities and national growth.
• Analyze the implications of Turner's Frontier Thesis on modern interpretations of American expansionism and its consequences.
  • Turner's Frontier Thesis has led to critical analysis of American expansionism by framing it as a double-edged sword; while it promoted economic growth and democratic ideals, it also resulted in displacement of Indigenous peoples and environmental degradation. Modern interpretations question the romanticized view of westward expansion by highlighting its complexities and consequences. This has prompted scholars to explore themes of equity, sustainability, and the long-lasting impacts of these policies on both people and ecosystems.

Related terms

Frontier Thesis:

The argument presented by Turner that the existence of the frontier fostered individualism, democracy, and economic development in America.

Homestead Act:

A law passed in 1862 that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, promoting westward expansion and land acquisition.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right of Americans to expand westward across the continent, influencing policies and attitudes towards land acquisition.