Closing of the frontier

Definition

The closing of the frontier refers to the historical moment in the late 19th century when the American frontier, defined as the advancing line of settlement and development into previously unoccupied land, was declared effectively closed. This transition marked a significant shift in American society and culture, as it signaled the end of an era characterized by westward expansion, the displacement of Native American tribes, and the belief in Manifest Destiny. The closure brought about new challenges for the United States, influencing economic policies, immigration patterns, and social dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The official closure of the frontier was proclaimed in 1890 by the U.S. Census Bureau, which stated that there was no longer a clear line of advancing settlement.
2. The closing of the frontier led to a rethinking of American identity and values, with an increasing emphasis on urbanization and industrialization.
3. The Homestead Act played a crucial role in encouraging settlement but also led to significant conflict with Native American populations and environmental consequences.
4. Following the closing of the frontier, many Americans began to look beyond their borders for new opportunities, influencing foreign policy and expansionist ideologies.
5. The idea of a 'closed frontier' contributed to the rise of conservation movements, as there was a growing awareness of the need to preserve natural landscapes and resources.

Review Questions

• How did the closing of the frontier influence American identity during the late 19th century?
  • The closing of the frontier had a profound impact on American identity as it marked the end of westward expansion, which was a key aspect of what it meant to be American. With no more land available for settlement, Americans began to redefine their national identity around urbanization and industrial growth. This shift also led to a sense of loss regarding the pioneering spirit that had characterized earlier generations, prompting new cultural narratives and debates about what America would become in this new era.
• Discuss the implications of the closing of the frontier on Native American communities and their displacement.
  • The closing of the frontier exacerbated the challenges faced by Native American communities as their lands were increasingly encroached upon by settlers and ranchers. This led to further displacement and loss of traditional ways of life for many tribes. The U.S. government’s policies during this time often favored settler interests over Native rights, resulting in conflicts and treaties that were frequently broken, thus intensifying struggles for sovereignty and recognition that continue to resonate today.
• Evaluate how the concept of Manifest Destiny was affected by the closing of the frontier and its impact on U.S. foreign policy.
  • The closing of the frontier forced Americans to reassess Manifest Destiny as a guiding principle since there were no longer new territories to claim within North America. As a result, this led to an expansionist approach beyond continental boundaries, where U.S. foreign policy began to embrace imperialism. The ideology shifted towards acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and Guam during the Spanish-American War, reflecting a transformation in how Americans viewed their role on the global stage, moving from internal settlement to external expansion.

Related terms

Homestead Act: A law passed in 1862 that granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, aimed at encouraging westward migration and settlement.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

American Indian Removal: A policy during the 1830s aimed at relocating Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the eastern United States to designated territories west of the Mississippi River.