Frontier

From Unawiki

The first definition for the American frontier is: the border between civilization and wilderness. This definition was formed in colonial times, and the term existed since the existence of the U.S. This border was pushed westward as History progressed. Not only did frontier mean the unsettled land, but also symbolized unlimited possibilities, and was often found in political speeches to express freedom and expansion as American essentials.

Frederick Jackson Turner said: “The most significant thing about the American frontier, is that it lies at the hither edge of free land. In the census reports it is treated as the margin of that settlement which has a density of two or more to the square mile.” (p.10)[1] The native inhabitants were not considered here. The Frontier was politically used to describe Americanization. At first, the frontier was the Atlantic coast. It was the frontier of Europe. The further it moved westward the more it became the American frontier and a symbol of independence.

John F. Kennedy also guided his political speeches along the popular Frontier rhetoric. “The New Frontier is here whether we seek it or not. Beyond that frontier are uncharted areas of science and space, unsolved problems of peace and war, unconquered problems(…)”[2] In this, one can see how the American frontier was and still is a term open to change allowing new interpretations and opening up new areas for expansion.

[1] Frederick Jackson Turner, „The Significance of the Frontier in American History“(1893) aus Roy Allen Billington, ed., The Frontier Thesis. Valid Interpretation of American History? (1966)

[2] John F. Kennedy, „1960 Democratic ‚National Convention Acceptance Address“ www.americanrhetoric.com