Module 4: The West as History: The Turner Thesis

"Civilization is not by any means an easy thing to attain to. There are only two ways by which man can reach it. One is by being cultured, the other by being corrupt." -Wilde

In 1893, the American Historical Association attended one of the biggest events held in the century where historian Fredrick Jackson Turner introduced his theory of the "frontier thesis". It was one of the most powerful theories known in American History, that essentially established the true meaning of democracy and civilization in America. Jackson titled his exhibition, "The Significance of the Frontier in American History", and discussed the historical background of the significant changes that took place in the West. A frontier line stirred up the nations civilization between Massachusetts and Virginia that soon stretched across the Appalachians to the Mississippi and finally reached the Plains from California to Oregon.

The American YAWP stated that Turner,"invited his audience to stand at Cumberland Gap, and watch the procession of Civilization, marching single file the buffalo following the trial to the salt springs, the Indian, the fur trader and hunter, the cattle raiser, the pioneer farmer and the frontier has passed by." Turner reflected upon the idea that through his theory, Americans were forced to build a new way of life that essentially reflected the outcome of the Frontier and in essence America today. In addition, he argued that ordinary people like pioneers, deserved the same treatment and placement within society as great statesmen. But, as the Census Bureau pronounced the Frontier closing in 1890,there was no possible way for a line to run from North to South dividing civilization from savagery. Turner worried about the safety of the United States since the protection of the nation centered from the valve of the Frontier.

Turner's "Frontier Thesis" substantially held greater victories than faults and in my opinion ultimately accomplished the idea of what we deem the reality of the American Dream to be. In Turners assumption he seperated the likelihood of what the truth and reality brought to the forefront of this time, which still currently effects present day. In other words, he discussed the treatment of those who are fed with a silver spoon compared to those who grew up as farmers, or pioneers and recognized the differences society placed on particular individuals. What Turner discussed in his Thesis, is something America still strongly battles with today, culture and inclusion.