The Significance of the Frontier in American History” by Frederick Jackson Turner
The Significance of the Frontier in American History” by Frederick Jackson Turner
Some terms Turner used that you may find confusing:
Germanic Germ theory = a nineteenth-century theory developed by German scholars positing that civilizations grew and matured in the same way as plants. Any group of people originated as a seed and gradually matured and developed characteristics that were unique to them.
Frontier = the extreme limit of settled land beyond which lies wilderness.
Suffrage ORthe franchise = right to vote
Turner argued that Americans developed a unique character defined by individualism, democracy, and nationalism.
His argument is not totally linear—meaning, he repeatedly attempts to make these points throughout the essay. You will need to use all his evidence in your essay.
1. I have given you Turner’s thesis (above in italics). You need to read his paper (http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/gilded/empire/text1/turner.pdf) and answer the questions below in essay form. (See #2-7)
You can also google “turner thesis” and look for the one from National Humanities Center. The link above should work, but if not, you should look for the version from the National Humanities Center which is an edited (shorter) version of his original paper.
What evidence did Turner use to attempt to prove this point? Do you think his argument is convincing? What flaws (if any) do you see in his argument?
2. You need to write this as a formal essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your body paragraphs should specifically provide the evidence Turner used to prove that Americans demonstrate (a) individualism, (b) democracy, and (c) nationalism.
3. The only source you need (or should use) is “The Significance of the Frontier in American History.” This is a famous essay, and you can find plenty of information about it in various places, but I do not want you to use those other sources.
4. Use quotes sparingly. You may quote Turner, but you then need to explain the information you quoted. Do not use the quotes in place of your own thoughts and ideas.
Example: “The advance of the frontier has meant a steady movement away from the influence of Europe” (Turner, 3). Turner means that as American settlers moved away from the Atlantic coast and into the interior of the country they became less European and more American. (First, I used a quote; then I explained what it means).
5. The example above also demonstrates how to use in-text citations—(Turner, page number)—all in parentheses after the quote.
6. While I am asking you to analyze and critique the evidence and strength of Turner’s argument, please refrain from personal attacks. This is not appropriate in a formal academic essay. I will deduct points for unprofessional comments. (i.e. Turner is an idiot and a racist, sexist neanderthal.) You may say something like: Turner’s argument is a bit narrow in its focus and one that is anachronistic today (or out-of-touch with current points of view).
You also might bear in mind that Turner was a product of his times, and he wrote of the American “frontier” somewhat in the style of romanticism—a glorification of nature, of struggle and heroism, an admiration of the creative spirit, a search for origin stories, and a focus on national pride. From our perspective, his ideas are somewhat ahistorical. Keep that in mind when you read the Frontier Thesis.
7. Aim for 500-550 words and do not use significantly fewer or more than that. See Syllabus for further instructions about the Essay submission format.
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