The End of the Myth

Greg Grandin

Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis redefined the concept of the frontier, portraying it as a driver of American democracy and equality, though this narrative was deeply flawed. Turner claimed pioneers established settlements independently before government intervention, but in reality, the government often acted first, seizing land and displacing Indigenous peoples. Turner’s vision of an endlessly expanding frontier shifted from geography to public policy, embraced by industrialists as a justification for economic growth. While Roosevelt’s New Deal programs reflected a new kind of internal frontier focused on social recovery, opposition to government intervention persisted, and post-World War II prosperity shifted focus to economic and military priorities. The Vietnam War, however, failed to unify the nation, deepening divisions that leaders like Nixon and Reagan exploited through polarizing rhetoric and appeals to individualism. Violence along the U.S.-Mexico border, rooted in historical conflicts and vigilante actions, persisted despite measures like Reagan’s immigration reforms. The rise of Trumpism, with its nativist and isolationist stance, reflects a long-standing belief in limited opportunities tied to the myth of expansion. As the idea of an ever-expanding frontier has faded, violence and racism have intensified, particularly at the southern border, while Trump’s policies have further dismantled social programs and targeted immigrants. The once-inspiring myth of the frontier now stands symbolized by border wall prototypes, marking the end of its promise.

18 min

9 Bite

Einblick

Worum geht es?

The book delves into the enduring myth of the American frontier, exploring its profound influence on the nation’s identity, politics, and policies. It examines how expansion, both geographical and ideological, has shaped America’s history—from the displacement of Indigenous peoples to the rise of modern nativism. Through a critical lens, it unpacks the contradictions and consequences of this myth, revealing its role in fostering both unity and division. With a focus on pivotal moments and figures, the narrative traces the evolution of American ideals, questioning whether the frontier’s promise of boundless opportunity still holds relevance today.

Buchzusammenfassung

Greg Grandin taught at New York University before joining Yale University’s history department. He’s also served on the United Nations Truth Commission and received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the New York Public Library. His books include The Empire of Necessity and Fordlandia, which was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award.

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Alle Bissen

9 Bites

Trumpism and the End of Expansion

Jackson’s Legacy: Expansion, Freedom, and Displacement

War as America’s Ultimate Safety Valve

The Myth of Endless American Expansion

America's Fleeting Frontiers of Social Progress

America's Shifting Frontiers: Liberty, Conflict, and Division

Border Violence and the Myth of Progress

Borders, Violence, and the Myth of Expansion

America’s Vanishing Frontier: Myths and Realities

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