Turner's Frontier Thesis · US History

Which characteristic did Turner describe as a result of the 'Americanization' process on the frontier?

  1. A deep respect for traditional European art and literature
  2. A pragmatic, inventive, and restless intellect
  3. A preference for communal living over individual property
  4. A rigid adherence to ancient social customs
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Correct answer: A pragmatic, inventive, and restless intellect

Turner posited that the harsh conditions of the frontier stripped away European 'cultural baggage' and replaced it with a practical, 'can-do' attitude. This intellectual shift was seen as the defining feature of the American character.

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