Turner's Thesis Worksheet

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2020

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Arts Humanities

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Apr 3, 2024

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Part One: Assessing the Frontier Thesis Step 1 . Carefully read the two claims made by historians about Turner’s thesis. Then make your own copy of this document (File > Make a copy) to answer the questions in the space provided. Claim A Claim B 1. In 2-3 sentences, summarize the argument that Claim A makes about Turner’s Thesis: American exceptionalism serves as the foundation for Turner's creation myth, which places a heavy emphasis on European ancestry. His definition of the frontier implied that there were few white people there because there were fewer than two people per square mile. American Indians were viewed as representations of the "savagery" that white settlers had to deal with in the frontier. Turner also exaggerated the social mobility and tenacious individualism of his white contemporaries. The commoditization and industrialization of American agriculture in the late nineteenth century led farmers to join cooperative organizations like the Grange and the National Farmers' Alliance. These organizations, which later evolved into the Populist Party, opposed the extreme individualism that was the root cause of inequality and corruption. 2. In 2-3 sentences, summarize the argument that Claim B makes about Turner’s Thesis: According to the Turner Thesis, the United States is a unique production of European and American Indian ancestry. As settlers overcame difficult, unsuitable terrain, the frontier molded the American character. They learned about the limitless opportunities and resources available in the wilderness, which brought out their toughness. The American practical and inventive character was also fueled by the frontier. Turner, however, believed that American Indians lacked competition from European technology and were uncivilized. According to critics, such as New Western Historians, the American West developed gradually over time as more people were converted to American culture and more lands were conquered. 3. In 4-6 sentences, explain which argument you find more convincing and why. Support your answer using details from the module content or quotes from the claims themselves. I find claim B more convincing as it does a good job describing the United States heritage. Claim A speaks about history through the lens of racial nationalism and defines the frontier as "where white people were scarce". On the other hand, claim B uses both the wilderness and challenges such as the rugged terrain and difficult farming land to describe the frontier. The use of quotes, reference to recent historians, and providing outside critiques in claim B made that argument more convincing. Assignment authored by Lillian Wills for Lumen Learning, licensed CC BY: Attribution Was Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis Myth or Reality?. Provided by : OpenStax. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/NgBFhmUc@11.2:nmz1YGZA@5/9-18-%F0%9F%92%AC-Was-Frederick-Jackson-Turner-s-Frontier- Thesis-Myth-or-Reality . Project : Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/36004586-651c-4ded-af87-203aca22d946@11.2

Part Two: The New Imperial Frontier Step 2 : Read these two excerpts of speeches from America's Age of Empire. First, answer a few questions about each speech in the space below. These answers can be just 1-2 sentences. President Roosevelt’s Speech 4. What is the speaker’s main argument, point, or message? Theodore Roosevelt's 1899 speech, "The Strenuous Life," emphasizes the importance of embracing adversity and challenging tasks for personal and societal growth. He advocates for a culture of exploration and tenacity, arguing that those who take on challenging tasks lead more fulfilling lives and contribute to society. Roosevelt also believes that a country's strength and greatness are based on the individual contributions of its people, who must be eager to put in effort and strive for excellence. He advocates for a robust and engaged citizenry that takes ownership of its destiny and actively contributes to the country's development. 5. Who is the speaker? What role did he play in American Imperialism? Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was a key figure in American imperialism during his administration. He supported American expansionism and the display of American power abroad. His involvement in the Spanish-American War in 1898, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, helped the US gain territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Roosevelt's involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal, which led to the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, significantly impacted American influence in Latin America and international trade. His foreign policy strategy, known as "Big Stick Diplomacy," involved military force and the threat of intervention to advance American interests in the Western Hemisphere. His corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, formulated in 1904, stated that the US had the right to intervene in Latin American nations to prevent European powers from doing the same. Roosevelt's presidency resulted in a significant contribution to American imperialism, reflecting his beliefs in power projection and expansion. 6. What is the historical context of the speech? Where and why was it given? Theodore Roosevelt's "Strenuous Life" speech, delivered in 1899 at the Hamilton Club in Chicago, aimed to promote a more energetic, engaged, and active American population. The speech addressed the challenges and possibilities brought by modernity and emphasized the importance of citizens' Assignment authored by Lillian Wills for Lumen Learning, licensed CC BY: Attribution Was Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis Myth or Reality?. Provided by : OpenStax. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/NgBFhmUc@11.2:nmz1YGZA@5/9-18-%F0%9F%92%AC-Was-Frederick-Jackson-Turner-s-Frontier- Thesis-Myth-or-Reality . Project : Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/36004586-651c-4ded-af87-203aca22d946@11.2

willingness to take on hardships and strive for greatness. Roosevelt's speech served as a call to action for Americans to seize opportunities and obligations presented by the times, they lived in. 7. What was the goal of the speech? Was Roosevelt attempting to persuade, inform, explain, or something else? Roosevelt's "The Strenuous Life" speech aimed to encourage Americans to live active, virtuous lives, ready to face modern world challenges. He believed this mindset was crucial for individual wellbeing and the country's prosperity. The speech discussed the challenges faced by the United States, such as the need for a stronger military and active involvement in world affairs. Roosevelt used rhetoric and passionate language to persuade his audience to adopt a demanding lifestyle, promoting a mindset open to challenges and societal improvement. Senator George Hoar’s Speech 8. What is the speaker’s main argument, point, or message? The debate over the United States' annexation of the Philippines took place on February 6, 1899, and Senator George Hoar made his speech, "The Lust for Empire," at that time. Hoar opposed American imperialism, contending that it violated the nation's democratic principles and values of freedom and self-determination. He argued that annexing the Philippines would go against fundamental American values, such as the notion that governments only have authority with the consent of the governed. In addition, Hoar expressed moral and ethical concerns regarding the possible negative effects of imperialism, such as the repression of Filipino independence and potential conflict with other colonial powers. 9. Who is the speaker? What role did he play in American Imperialism? Senator George Hoar, a well-known American politician and attorney, gave a speech titled "The Lust for Empire" in which he criticized American expansionism and imperialism following the Spanish- American War. Hoar was an outspoken opponent of imperialism who promoted self-determination as well as a role model for liberty and self-government. He expressed his worries about the moral, ethical, constitutional, and practical effects of imperialism through his speeches and position in the Senate. Hoar's knowledge of law and the constitution was crucial in the discussion of imperialism as he promoted a moral foreign policy based on democracy, individual freedom, and constitutional rule. 10. What is the historical context of the speech? Where and why was it given? In 1899, Senator George F. Hoar addressed the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the US's acquisition of overseas territories, particularly the Philippines, in a speech titled "The Lust for Empire" before the US Senate. The Treaty of Paris, which would determine whether the Philippines would become an American colony, was the topic of discussion when the speech was given. Hoar, a well- known opponent of imperialism, voiced his moral and ethical concerns regarding the effects of imperialism, particularly as it related to the Philippines. He also brought up constitutional concerns, arguing that doing so would create a risky precedent for future federal power expansion since the Assignment authored by Lillian Wills for Lumen Learning, licensed CC BY: Attribution Was Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis Myth or Reality?. Provided by : OpenStax. Located at : https://cnx.org/contents/NgBFhmUc@11.2:nmz1YGZA@5/9-18-%F0%9F%92%AC-Was-Frederick-Jackson-Turner-s-Frontier- Thesis-Myth-or-Reality . Project : Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. License : CC BY: Attribution . License Terms : Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/36004586-651c-4ded-af87-203aca22d946@11.2

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