Question

how does the “Frontier Thesis” hold-up compared to the realities of the West?

Answer 1

The " Frontier Thesis" given by Fredrick J Turner a Winconsin historian in 1893, views the frontline as a line between civilization and savagery. This thesis of Turner views history of America in the light of glory, where there was heroism, triumph,and above all a headway advancement, that spread democracy and brought civilization to the savaged lands of West. He believed that encounter of the pioneers with the untamed savage people and the threat from Europe cultivated the rugged individualism in them, that became their unique identity and the corner stone for democracy. The hard work of the pioneers gave America a uniqueness and brought civilization and progress.

For Turner history of America was splendid and triumphant, he neglected the harsh realities of Westward advancement. He neglected the atrocities to the natives by the pioneers. He neglected their greed to mention in their way towards progress. He failed to mention the ecological devastation that occurred during civilizing the untamed lands.

Thus, history of America has its own up and downs. It's a history of struggle of pioneers, the natives, oppressions, triumphs of democracy and individuals, greed and ecological devastation in the process of progress.