The Frontier Myth in Modern American Politics
Keywords:
American exceptionalism, frontier myth, national identity, Frederick Jackson Turner, mythology in politics, American nationalismAbstract
This article analyzes the role of the frontier myth in shaping modern American politics and national identity. The paper explores how this myth has served as a unifying symbol, reinforcing agreed-upon values and mitigating fears of fragmentation within the nation. The author contends that the frontier thesis, proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner, became a foundational narrative for understanding American exceptionalism. This study examines the historical context of Turner's thesis and its enduring influence despite subsequent scholarly critiques. The article argues that the frontier myth persists because it resonates with Americans' need for self-affirmation and reassurance, particularly in a nation characterized by youthful insecurity. The paper demonstrates how this myth has been instrumental in fostering a sense of mission and purpose, driving American expansionism and reinforcing national identity.
(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)
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