What are some of the characteristics Frederick Jackson Turner thought had been shaped by our frontier experience?
Frederick Jackson Turner was an American historian who presented a significant paper titled "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" in 1893. Turner argued that the existence of a frontier in the American West shaped the unique characteristics of American society. Some of the characteristics he believed had been shaped by the frontier experience include:
1. Individualism: Turner suggested that the frontier experience fostered a spirit of individualism among Americans. The necessity of self-reliance and the absence of established social structures on the frontier led to the development of independent and self-sufficient individuals, willing to take risks and forge their own paths.
2. Democracy: Turner proposed that the frontier played a vital role in the development of American democratic values. With limited law enforcement and a lack of hierarchical structures, communities on the frontier had to rely on collective decision-making and cooperation. This experience, according to Turner, encouraged democratic ideals and egalitarianism.
3. American Character: Turner argued that the frontier experience shaped a distinct American character. He believed that the constant confrontation with a vast, untamed wilderness cultivated traits such as resilience, resourcefulness, adaptability, and a pioneering spirit. These characteristics, according to Turner, were crucial in the expansion and development of the United States.
To learn more about these characteristics and Frederick Jackson Turner's ideas, you can refer to his seminal work, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History". It remains an important text in the field of American history and provides more detailed insights into Turner's arguments.