The Frontier Thesis

The Frontier Thesis, proposed by historian Frederick Jackson Turner in 1893, argues that the American character and democracy were shaped by the experience of westward expansion. Turner asserted that the constant movement into new territories fostered individualism, innovation, and adaptability in Americans. As settlers pushed westward, they encountered challenges that encouraged a spirit of resilience and self-reliance. The thesis emphasizes the importance of the frontier in shaping American identity, suggesting that this continuous expansion created a unique national character distinct from Europe, characterized by freedom and opportunity.