American Development and the Frontier

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Questions and Answers

What has been a dominant fact of America since Columbus's time?

Isolation from the rest of the world

Stability in customs and traditions

A decline in land opportunities

Constant expansion (correct)

What does the closing of the frontier symbolize in American history?

The start of increased governmental control

The beginning of European colonization

The end of a significant period in American history (correct)

The end of opportunities for exploration

Which of the following best describes the American attitude towards older societal restraints during the frontier period?

Fear of new ideas and customs

Willingness to compromise with tradition

Indifference and scorn towards older society (correct)

Acceptance and adherence to older customs

What opportunity did each frontier provide throughout American history?

An escape from past societal norms Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the American environment is highlighted as remaining constant despite changes in society?

Deep-rooted customs and traditions Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in the United States by 1890 regarding the frontier?

There was no longer a continuous frontier line. Signup and view all the answers

What has largely characterized American history according to the content?

The colonization of the Great West. Signup and view all the answers

According to John C. Calhoun, what was a distinguishing feature of American life in 1817?

Rapid growth and development Signup and view all the answers

How do American institutions adapt according to the content?

They evolve with the advancing settlement and frontier. Signup and view all the answers

What did the 'perennial rebirth' on the frontier signify for American development?

A new development for each area of expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest about the nature of American social development?

It has continually restarted with each new frontier. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central point of view in understanding American history, as presented in the content?

The importance of the Great West. Signup and view all the answers

How did the process of expansion affect American character?

It fostered contact with primitive societies and new opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the frontier play in American history?

It marked the transition from savagery to civilization. Signup and view all the answers

How did the American frontier differ from the European frontier?

It was a domain of free land. Signup and view all the answers

What transformation occurred to the colonists in the frontier environment?

They adopted indigenous agricultural practices. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of Americanization at the frontier indicate?

A merging of various immigrant nationalities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of the frontier on American political institutions?

It fostered nationalism and the evolution of political institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation was most influenced by the needs of the frontier?

Tariff and internal improvement laws Signup and view all the answers

What was a major impact of the frontier on farmers?

It provided access to more fertile land. Signup and view all the answers

What did the purchase of Louisiana represent for the United States?

A new area for national legislation and the downfall of strict constructionism Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the frontier on America's economic dependency?

It created a need for local merchants. Signup and view all the answers

What tendency was observed among the population as a result of westward migration?

Unsettling of population and individualism Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the early American identity from the text?

It was shaped by European influences and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

How did the frontier influence attitudes towards government and taxation?

It produced an antipathy to control and oppressive governance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'frontier belt' refer to?

The area of both settled and uncharted land. Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did western New York play in the extension of suffrage?

It led to the extension of suffrage to all white men in 1821. Signup and view all the answers

How did the immigrant populations contribute to the American frontier?

They aided in creating a diverse nationality. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with the intellectual traits developed by frontier life?

Lack of coarseness and strength Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural transformation is mentioned in the text?

The rise of unrotated crops cultivation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 'hither edge' of free land?

It represented the limit of settled agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the frontier on American democracy?

It promoted individualism and democratic principles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of ‘fitting into the Indian clearings’ suggest about colonists?

They adapted to the new environment for survival. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception about the effects of the frontier on society?

It isolated populations from each other. Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect on legislative powers as more states joined the Union from the frontier?

They enhanced national powers with frontier ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable effect of the frontier on the social fabric of America?

It fostered the development of a unique American identity. Signup and view all the answers

How did the frontier impact the dynamics of competition among eastern cities?

It sparked rivalry over trade opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What demographic change occurred as a result of the westward expansion?

Dispersal and mixing of various immigrant groups. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Lyman Beecher imply about the population of the West in 1835?

They represented a mixture from various states and nations. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for the growth of democracy in the early 19th century?

The preponderance of western states under Jackson's leadership. Signup and view all the answers

What danger is associated with the democracy born from frontier individualism?

Pressing individual liberty beyond its proper bounds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Frontier Closing and American Development

1890 Census Superintendent noted the disappearance of a defined frontier line, marking the end of a historical westward expansion period.
American history was greatly influenced by westward colonization and the availability of free land.
"American development" is characterized by adapting institutions to the expansion, crossing a continent, and transitioning from primitive frontier conditions to urban complexity.
US development differs from other nations as it experienced a return to primitive conditions repeatedly along expanding frontiers, leading to continuous rebirth and fluidity of American life.
Westward expansion was a key factor in the history of slavery issues.
The frontier is distinct from the European frontier, which was a fortified boundary line within populated areas. American frontier is the edge of free land, with a density of 2+ people per square mile.

Americanization on the Frontier

The frontier environment was impactful in shaping Americans, forcing colonists to adapt or perish.
Initially, colonists retained European traits, but the frontier environment gradually Americanized them through demands for adaptation and survival.
Settlers adopted Indian ways, adapting to hunting, agriculture, and living conditions.
Frontier life created a new American identity, distinct from European heritage.
The frontier continually pushed away from European influences.

American society progressed from hunter-gatherer to agricultural and eventually industrial stages.
Historical progression is observable, beginning with native populations and continuing through various phases of economic activity (farming, ranching, manufacturing).
Transition across various economic activities (farming, ranching, manufacturing) exemplifies the shifting nature of the frontier.
Demographic shifts and demand for land were factors promoting westward movement.

Significance of the Frontier for American Identity and Politics

Frontier contributed to a diverse American nationality, incorporating immigrants and former indentured servants, influencing the country's racial makeup.
Westward expansion reduced dependence on England for supplies by giving rise to American merchants and fostering rivalry among seaboard cities.
Frontier conditions influenced national legislation. Internal improvements and railroad legislation were important examples for national unity, triggering constitutional debates regarding "loose" vs. "strict" construction.
The purchase of Louisiana was a pivotal moment, driven by frontier needs and expanding national power.
National legislation was driven by frontier needs, leading to nationalizing trends that strengthened democracy.

Frontier and Democracy

The frontier fostered individualism and antipathy towards control, influencing the American Revolution and early republic struggles.
Frontier states, as they joined the Union, pushed for democratic reforms and influenced the older states.
Individualism, democracy, and nationalism accompanied the advancing frontier.
Free land meant opportunity for a competency. However, the democracy it fostered was individualistic, intolerant of experience and education, which presented potential dangers.
Eastern educational and religious activities played a role in the development of the frontier.

Conclusion

The frontier has profoundly impacted American history, culture, and politics.
Its closing marked the end of the first period of American history.
The opportunity, fluidity, and dynamism of the frontier were crucial to shaping American identity.

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Description

Explore the significance of the American frontier in shaping the country's development. This quiz covers key historical themes such as westward expansion, the influence of free land, and the unique challenges faced by American society. Test your knowledge on how these factors contributed to the evolution of American institutions and culture.