Frontier myth

Definition

The frontier myth refers to a romanticized narrative that portrays the American frontier as a place of opportunity, freedom, and individualism, where settlers ventured into untamed lands to carve out new lives. This myth often overlooks the harsh realities faced by these settlers and the violent conflicts that arose with Indigenous peoples, which were particularly prevalent during westward expansion and the Indian Wars. It contributes to a national identity that values rugged individualism and the idea of manifest destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The frontier myth played a significant role in shaping American cultural values, promoting ideas of bravery, self-reliance, and innovation as settlers faced the challenges of the wilderness.
2. This narrative often glosses over the violent confrontations between settlers and Indigenous peoples, framing conflicts as necessary for progress rather than acknowledging their devastating impact.
3. Literature and art from the 19th century, including works by authors like Frederick Jackson Turner and artists like Frederic Remington, reinforced the frontier myth by celebrating the heroic aspects of westward expansion.
4. The concept of manifest destiny was closely linked to the frontier myth, suggesting that Americans had a divine right to expand across North America, often at the expense of Native American populations.
5. The legacy of the frontier myth continues to influence contemporary perceptions of American identity and exceptionalism, often romanticizing settler experiences while neglecting historical injustices.

Review Questions

• How did the frontier myth influence American identity during westward expansion?
  • The frontier myth significantly shaped American identity by promoting ideals such as individualism, self-reliance, and courage in facing adversity. It presented a narrative that celebrated settlers as pioneers who transformed a wild land into prosperous communities. This portrayal helped foster a sense of national pride and purpose, reinforcing beliefs in America's unique role in promoting democracy and freedom.
• In what ways did literature and art contribute to the development of the frontier myth?
  • Literature and art played crucial roles in developing the frontier myth by depicting exaggerated accounts of settler experiences and glorifying their struggles. Works by authors like Frederick Jackson Turner emphasized themes of opportunity and adventure on the frontier, while artists like Frederic Remington captured dynamic images of cowboys and Native American life. These representations served to romanticize westward expansion and obscure its more complex and violent realities.
• Evaluate the impact of the frontier myth on contemporary views regarding Indigenous peoples and American history.
  • The frontier myth has had lasting effects on contemporary views about Indigenous peoples and American history by perpetuating a narrative that often marginalizes Native perspectives. This myth tends to portray Indigenous resistance as obstacles to progress rather than legitimate struggles for rights and sovereignty. By romanticizing settler experiences while downplaying violence against Indigenous communities, the frontier myth shapes modern understandings of America’s past, influencing ongoing debates about historical memory, representation, and reconciliation.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny:

A 19th-century doctrine that justified the expansion of the United States across North America, rooted in the belief that Americans were destined to spread democracy and capitalism.

Indian Removal Act:

A federal law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.

Homestead Act:

A law enacted in 1862 that provided 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, incentivizing westward migration and contributing to the growth of the frontier myth.