During And Throughout The 19th Century The Frontier And Its ✓ Solved

During and throughout the 19th century the frontier and its exp

During and throughout the 19th century, the frontier and its expansion played a significant role in the shaping and reshaping of American identity. Use the sources (videos, lectures, readings) to discuss how it shaped American national identity and American’s relationships to the environment/nature during the 19th century. Then explain how Turner’s thesis and the perceived “end of the frontier” affected American attitudes regarding wilderness and environmental policy.

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The 19th century was a transformative period in American history characterized by expansion, migration, and a redefinition of national identity, deeply intertwined with the concept of the frontier. As settlers moved westward, they not only sought land but also attempted to forge a new identity—one that was rugged, self-sufficient, and intimately connected to the landscape. This expansion significantly shaped American national identity and had profound implications for Americans' relationship with nature and environmental policy.

The Frontier as a Shaper of American Identity

The notion of the frontier was not just a geographic boundary; it represented a sociocultural phenomenon. Historian Frederick Jackson Turner articulated this in his seminal "Frontier Thesis," which posited that the American character had been formed by the challenges and experiences associated with westward migration. According to Turner, the frontier encouraged democracy and individualism, dividing Americans from their European pasts (Turner, 1893). It fostered a spirit of resilience and innovation that became central to the American identity. For example, the pioneer spirit exemplified by figures such as Daniel Boone and Meriwether Lewis symbolized an image of America as a land of opportunity and adventure.

Moreover, the expansion into the frontier allowed Americans to envision themselves as a people destined to cultivate and control vast landscapes. This notion of Manifest Destiny—the belief that Americans were divinely ordained to expand across North America—reinforced a national identity closely linked to the land. The vastness of the frontier provided a canvas for Americans to project their aspirations and desires, often at the expense of Native American cultures and the environment. This complex and sometimes contentious relationship between settlers and the land laid the groundwork for future environmental policies and attitudes toward wilderness.

Impact on Relationships with the Environment

The expansion into the frontier fostered a dualistic relationship with nature. On one hand, nature was seen as a wilderness to be conquered and exploited; on the other hand, it was also romanticized in literature and art, depicting nature as a source of beauty and inspiration. The tensions between these perspectives reflect the evolving ideas about the environment during the 19th century. Writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau articulated a deep reverence for nature, emphasizing its spiritual significance and advocating for a more harmonious relationship with the natural world (Emerson, 1841; Thoreau, 1854). Their ideas began to challenge the dominant narratives that viewed nature solely as a resource.

As American society continued to grow and develop, the exploitation of natural resources became a necessary part of economic expansion. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, for example, not only facilitated the movement of people and goods but also resulted in significant ecological changes. Forests were cleared, rivers were dammed, and landscapes were irrevocably altered to support growing urban centers and industries. The extraction of natural resources led to environmental degradation but also raised awareness of the need for conservation and responsible stewardship (Merchant, 1980).

Turner’s Thesis and Environmental Policy

Turner's thesis posited that the frontier was an essential element in the formation of the American identity and worldview, postulating that its closure around 1890—marked by the U.S. Census—signified the end of an era. This perceived "end of the frontier" instigated a profound shift in American attitudes toward wilderness and the environment. As space for further expansion diminished, Americans grappled with the implications of a settled nation. The belief that land was limitless began to fade, leading to a growing recognition of the need to protect and preserve what remained of the natural landscape.

The end of the frontier was synchronized with a burgeoning conservation movement spearheaded by figures such as John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt. Muir's advocacy for the preservation of natural spaces led to the establishment of national parks, such as Yosemite, helping to frame wilderness as a crucial aspect of American heritage (Muir, 1901). Similarly, Roosevelt's administration marked a significant shift toward environmental stewardship, as he created designated national parks and wildlife refuges, recognizing the importance of conservation policies in safeguarding America's natural heritage.

Conclusion

The frontier and its expansion during the 19th century were instrumental in shaping American national identity, influencing how Americans perceived themselves and their relationship with the environment. This dynamic interplay led to both the exploitation and protection of nature, culminating in a growing consciousness about environmental issues. The philosophies derived from Turner’s thesis and the acknowledgment of the frontier's end played critical roles in fostering a new appreciation for wilderness, ultimately leading to the establishment of conservation policies that resonate in today's dialogues about environmental stewardship and sustainability.

References

• Emerson, R. W. (1841). Nature. Boston: James Munroe and Company.
• Muir, J. (1901). Our National Parks. New York: The Century Co.
• Merchant, C. (1980). The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology, and the Scientific Revolution. San Francisco: Harper & Row.
• Thoreau, H. D. (1854). Walden. Boston: Ticknor and Fields.
• Turner, F. J. (1893). The Significance of the Frontier in American History. In Proceedings of the American Historical Association.
• Hays, S. P. (1959). Conservation and the Gospel of Efficiency: The Progressive Conservation Movement, 1890-1920. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Worster, D. (1994). Nature's Economy: A History of Ecological Ideas. New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Stegner, Wallace. (1954). The Wilderness Letter. In The Invisible Wilderness.
• Gifford Pinchot. (1947). Breaking New Ground. New York: Harcourt, Brace & Company.