Go West! No U!

Frederick Jackson Turner was an American historian. Writing in 1893 about the significance of the western frontier in American history, Turner discusses the evolution of American society, economy, politics, and culture. Pay attention to his thesis and supporting arguments.

Turner's Thesis

Identify the thesis
List other major points
Develop at least 2 questions (things you are confused by or wondering about)
Agree or disgaree with Turner? Why?


It is no coincidence that in ten years the first motion picture in U.S. history would be created about the west. As the "frontier era" came to a close, the great American myth was born. This myth would be worked and reworked throughout the 1900s and can serve to provide us much useful information about American identity throughout history.

Indian Wars

You can find your documents here.

Search the following terms in whole or in part to find the link that corresponds to your topic (I'm doing this from memory so if the name doesn't match your topic, no big deal):

Tom - 1864-65 Sand Creek massacre
Josh - 1868 -1874 Buffalo Harvest (of course we know there are no buffalo in the U.S... only bison)
Eric - 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty
Brendan - 1876 Chief Red Horse, an eyewitness account of the Battle of Little Bighorn
Walt - 1876 George, Herendon, Custer's Last Stand
J - 1877-1879 Chief Joseph, selected statements by the Nez Perce leader
Syd - 1884 The pursuit and capture of Chief Joseph
Alex - 1890 The massacre at Wounded Knee
Zach - 1890 Lakota Accounts of Massacre at Wounded Knee

After reading and analyzing your primary source, leave a comment giving a brief summary analysis. Remember, no babies.