ORELA Social Studies Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Preparation

Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis posits that the American experience has been profoundly shaped by the existence of a constantly moving frontier line throughout the 19th century, which fostered a unique American identity and democratic culture. Turner argued that the availability of cheap land on the frontier encouraged individualism and self-sufficiency, allowing Americans to take risks and innovate. This access to land was instrumental in promoting democratic ideals as it created opportunities for social mobility and participation in governance, which were not as available in more rigid social structures. By emphasizing the role of the frontier in shaping democratic values, Turner illustrated how the expansive nature of American society cultivated a spirit of freedom and opportunity that differentiated it from other nations. This notion became a crucial part of understanding American history and identity.