The Frontier is Closed… Day 2 Weds. Nov. 30, 2011 U.S History Mr. Paulson

Spark # Describe populism (the movement and/or the political party) and who was their presidential candidate in 1896? 1. Describe populism (the movement and/or the political party) and who was their presidential candidate in 1896? 2. What event brought end to the Indian wars and the Indian “way of life?” 2. What event brought end to the Indian wars and the Indian “way of life?” 3. Tell me the “Sears” story – 3. Tell me the “Sears” story – Hint* - railroads, watches, catalogues Hint* - railroads, watches, catalogues

Agenda Spark # 23 Spark # 23 Business Items Business Items Posts Posts Movie analysis due 1 week from today!!! Movie analysis due 1 week from today!!! THC Clip – Colt 45 end of the Cowboy THC Clip – Colt 45 end of the Cowboy Closing of the Frontier Closing of the Frontier F.J. Turner – Frontier Thesis F.J. Turner – Frontier Thesis

- what invention brought an end to the “long drive” and the “cattle kingdom” and cowboy days? - what invention brought an end to the “long drive” and the “cattle kingdom” and cowboy days? - what event signaled the end of the “Indian” way of life? - what event signaled the end of the “Indian” way of life? - what was created to standardize train schedules? - what was created to standardize train schedules? Watch for…

Cowboys and the Colt 45

Remember – Remember – Census Bureau in 1890 says “no more frontier line” Census Bureau in 1890 says “no more frontier line” Frederick Jackson Turner Frederick Jackson Turner 1893 in Chicago at World’s Columbian Exposition 1893 in Chicago at World’s Columbian Exposition Argued the “frontier past best explained the history of the United States Argued the “frontier past best explained the history of the United States Analysis of impact of the frontier on development of American character Analysis of impact of the frontier on development of American character Frontier is closed?

F.J. Turner and the “frontier” Frontier is: Frontier is: “existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development “existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and the advance of American settlement westward explain American development The “meeting point between savage wilderness and civilization” The “meeting point between savage wilderness and civilization” How frontier develops American character How frontier develops American character Pause: What are Americans like today? Taming the wilderness is like a refiner’s fire – you come out different on the other side Taming the wilderness is like a refiner’s fire – you come out different on the other side Promoted individualistic democracy – rugged individualism, don’t tell me what to do, don’t get in my way Promoted individualistic democracy – rugged individualism, don’t tell me what to do, don’t get in my way Rely on own strength, own wit, own resources Rely on own strength, own wit, own resources

Quote Him… “that coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and acquisitiveness; that practical inventive turn of mind, quick to find expedients; that masterful grasp of material things…that restless, nervous energy, that dominant individualism…all could be attributed to the influence of the frontier…” “that coarseness and strength combined with acuteness and acquisitiveness; that practical inventive turn of mind, quick to find expedients; that masterful grasp of material things…that restless, nervous energy, that dominant individualism…all could be attributed to the influence of the frontier…” In short – the frontier is where the “American character” was born In short – the frontier is where the “American character” was born It’s what made Americans “American” It’s what made Americans “American” Was both an analysis and a warning: what happens when the frontier is gone? Was both an analysis and a warning: what happens when the frontier is gone?

Arguments against F.J. F.J.’s Frontier Thesis leaves out A LOT!!! F.J.’s Frontier Thesis leaves out A LOT!!! How about GENOCIDE! RACISM! Individual an corporate EXPLOITATION of resources!!! How about GENOCIDE! RACISM! Individual an corporate EXPLOITATION of resources!!! Is THAT the American character too??? Is THAT the American character too??? The West is a place where the “virtuous and hardworking prevail and evil always loses in the end…” The West is a place where the “virtuous and hardworking prevail and evil always loses in the end…” … really??? The COST of progress The COST of progress

Myth or fact???…push. F.J.’s romantic notion of “Frontier” and “America” appealed to many … I can see why – and it still does F.J.’s romantic notion of “Frontier” and “America” appealed to many … I can see why – and it still does Was both an analysis and a warning: what happens when the frontier is gone? Was both an analysis and a warning: what happens when the frontier is gone? To what extent do you think F.J. Turner was right about the frontier and America? To what extent do you think F.J. Turner was right about the frontier and America? Do we need “frontiers” (“adventures,” something to conquer) Do we need “frontiers” (“adventures,” something to conquer) Can you think of other “frontiers” throughout American history? Can you think of other “frontiers” throughout American history? What might be today’s untamed “frontier?” What might be today’s untamed “frontier?”

Activity Journal and discussion questions Journal and discussion questions Everyone turns in own work Everyone turns in own work