The Significance of the Frontier in American History

by Frederick Jackson Turner

1. According to the census superintendent's recent bulletin, what had happened to the frontier?

2. How did the frontier promote a "perennial rebirth" of American social development?

3. What is the "aim" of Turner's paper?

4. In your opinion, what has happened to the dominant, expansive American character since the close of the Western frontier in 1890?

Essay Question

• Turner suggests that the East Coast was strongly influenced by European ways and that, as America expanded westward, it became more originally American. Consider where you live in America. Do you see traits in your character that could be considered more European or more "American frontier" in origin? Explain your answer.