Frederick Jackson Turner Frontier Thesis Summary

Frederick Jackson Turner's Frontier Thesis, presented in 1893, revolutionized historical interpretation by positing the significance of the American frontier in shaping the nation's character and development. Turner's thesis can be considered a "grand theory" because it offers a comprehensive framework for understanding American history, encapsulating social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions (p. 126). He argued that the closing of the frontier marked a pivotal moment in American history, asserting that the frontier experience fostered traits such as nationalism, independence, and democracy, challenging prevailing historical narratives centered on the East Coast and emphasizing the transformative power of the frontier in molding

153). Despite the differing interpretations, Brown's trial and subsequent actions suggest a keen awareness of the consequences of his actions, leading to the conclusion that, in the legal sense, Brown was mentally sound and clearheaded about his objectives, even if they were radical and extreme.Friends and family members of John Brown testified to his insanity primarily to influence the legal proceedings surrounding his actions at Harpers Ferry, aiming to mitigate his culpability and potentially spare his life (p. 156). Testimonies suggested that Brown's mental state had been compromised since the Pottawatomie killings in Kansas, with acquaintances describing him as "crazy" regarding the subject of slavery (p. 155-156). Such assertions aimed to present Brown as incapable of fully comprehending the consequences of his actions, thus framing him as legally insane. A ruling of insanity would not only potentially save Brown from the gallows but also serve broader political agendas, as it would mitigate the perceived threat he posed to the institution of slavery and, consequently, ease tensions between North and

Davidson & Lytle utilize the notion that many historical figures, including heroes and artists, may have shared John Brown's mental condition to suggest that labeling him as bipolar does not diminish the significance of his actions. They argue that Brown's fervent commitment to human liberty and equality, driven by his bipolar condition and profound religious nature, propelled him to challenge societal norms, particularly regarding slavery (p. 168). Despite the controversy surrounding his character, Brown's radical actions forced society to confront its moral contradictions, ultimately contributing to the upheaval that led to the Civil War. This perspective suggests that Brown, far from being a lunatic or terrorist, was a driven martyr whose ends, though controversial, spurred societal change. An example from the text supporting this is the assertion that "many of history's heroes, inventors, and artists have shared Brown's mental condition. To label them bipolar in no way diminishes the record of their achievements." p.