1. Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis
“The Significance of the Frontier in American History” (1883)

2. Historical Context
Turner is writing at a moment in time when the frontier has been "officially closed“ as reported in the 1880 Census.
His argument is profoundly influenced by earlier writers.
His argument is that the influence of the frontier on the national character transcends its historical or geographical specificity.

3. Turner’s Thesis
The history of America is essentially a history of westward movement and expansion.
Turner describes 6 major stages of development along the American frontier from the colonial era through The American West, as a self-conscious region, begins to emerge during the third stage of development.

4. Frontier and Society
Turner believes in a vital link between the American frontier and American civilization (society). The frontier exists to serve society, as a source of renewal and regeneration of the social.
The frontier transforms Europeans (and European society) into Americans. It is not just a natural space but a vital social space that assists in building a nation

5. Frontier and Society
However, this is not simply an advancement of civilization (progress) but a RETURN to an original (more natural) condition,
Therefore, the frontier is a space where individuals and society can be renewed, begin again, and seek out new opportunities.

6. Frontier and Society
Turner emphasizes that the farmer and his family are essential to the westward expansion across the continent.
While other professions exist on the frontier (the hunter, the tradesman, the cowboy, etc.), the farmer is the ideal American. Daniel Boone is the ideal model for the frontiersman / farmer / family man
For Turner, the frontier is fundamentally a social and domestic space. While others (hunters and traders) may lead the way, the social organization of the farmer / pioneer is essential.

7. Composite Nationality
The "crucible" of the frontier removes people from their original cultures and creates a melting pot where "immigrants were Americanized, liberated, and fused into a mixed race“.
The frontier breaks down regional, ethnic and cultural divisions and creates a new national culture.

8. Industrial Independence
Ironically, technology and industry are not in opposition to the frontier.
Technology and industry emerge on the frontier and in response to its conditions.
The railroad, canal systems, forms of communication, and new developments in industry and agriculture are all products of the frontier.
These technologies are closely associated with the ideology of freedom. They create the conditions of freedom in America.

9. Democracy
However, Turner also recognizes that there is a danger to the kind of democracy that emerges on the frontier if it threatens to destroy the social framework, a destructive form of individualism.
Therefore, Turner introduces religion and education as social institutions that can regulate and control the negative forces on the frontier.

10. Religion and Education
Turner views religion and education not as inherently valuable (as spiritual or intellectual) but as institutions of social control that produce certain kinds of social and individual codes of moral and ethical behavior.
Religion and Education are thus essentially pragmatic.