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What is Turner’s thesis regarding the importance of the frontier in American history?
Why might Turner have been concerned that the frontier was disappearing?
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Frederick Jackson Turner was an American historian in the late 19th and early 20th century who developed the concept of the frontier in American history. In his essay titled "The Significance of the Frontier in American History," Turner argued that the existence of a frontier played a crucial role in shaping the character and identity of the United States.
Turner's thesis was that the frontier was not just a physical place, but a process of constant expansion and development. He believed that the frontier experience shaped the American spirit, promoting individualism, self-reliance, democracy, and innovation. According to Turner, the frontier provided a social and economic "safety valve" that allowed American society to undergo continuous renewal and offered opportunities for social mobility.
Turner was concerned that the frontier was disappearing because he believed that its continued existence was vital for the development and growth of America. As the frontier closed and the western territories were fully settled, he feared that American society would lose its unique qualities forged by the frontier experience. Turner believed that without a frontier to push into, the American spirit may become complacent and stagnant, leading to the decline of the nation.
To summarize, Turner's thesis emphasized the importance of the frontier in American history, viewing it as a driving force behind the nation's development and character. He was concerned about the disappearance of the frontier because he believed it would have a significant impact on the future trajectory and identity of the United States.