Myth of the Frontier

The Myth of the Frontier is the belief that frontiers—such as the American West—were always areas of opportunity, individual freedom, and infinite possibility. It suggests that the frontier symbolized a blank slate where settlers could start anew, shaping their destiny through bravery and hard work. However, this myth oversimplifies history by ignoring the complexities, including displacement of indigenous peoples, environmental impact, and social conflicts. In reality, frontiers were often sites of violence, inequality, and marginalization, reflecting a romanticized view that obscures the true, nuanced history of expansion and settlement.