The Significance of the Frontier in American History

Turner’s essay interweaves descriptive history and persuasive rhetoric to advance his central “Frontier Thesis”: that the frontier was the primary shaping force behind America’s political, economic, and cultural evolution. He structures his argument methodically, tracing the frontier through periods of US history to compile an analytical account of its impacts. Though dense with detail, Turner employs rhetorical techniques to enhance his message’s accessibility.

Beyond rigorous historical detail, Turner employs a number of narrative techniques to enhance the accessibility and persuasiveness of his academic study for a broader audience. This helps to explain the wide dissemination and reception of his essay in America. The chronological structure provides cohesion as he methodically traces the frontier through time presenting the pioneers’ experience as a natural symbiosis between European Versus Indigenous Culture. Vivid poetic diction immerses readers in the experience, such as when describing settlers adopting Indigenous trails and methods: “richer tide,” “slender paths,” “interwoven into the complex mazes” (4). Statistics ground his narrative, while dates and locations map the frontier’s contiguous expansion. These techniques make Turner’s analysis more engaging, crafting a storied exploration of the frontier for his audience to connect with experientially despite its academic nature.