3. The American Frontier and its effect on American culture and media Flashcards

1
Q

anarchy

A

a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems

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2
Q

Luisiana Purchase

A

1803, under Thomas Jefferson.
The Louisiana Purchase was a significant land acquisition made by the United States in 1803. The U.S. purchased approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France, effectively doubling the size of the young republic1. This territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border2.

Importance to American Culture:
Westward Expansion: The purchase provided a vast amount of land for settlement, fueling the westward expansion that became a central theme in American history and culture2.
Economic Growth: It opened up new resources and land for agriculture, which contributed to the economic development of the United States2.
Manifest Destiny: The acquisition reinforced the idea of Manifest Destiny, the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent3.
Cultural Impact: The Louisiana Purchase played a crucial role in shaping the American frontier spirit, influencing literature, folklore, and the iconic image of the American cowboy3.
This event is considered one of the most important achievements of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency and a pivotal moment in U.S. history1.

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3
Q

brief definition of redistribution policies

A

Redistribution policies are governmental actions aimed at reallocating resources and wealth from one segment of society to another. These policies are designed to reduce income inequality and support disadvantaged groups. Common examples include progressive taxation, welfare programs, and subsidies for education and healthcare1.

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4
Q

what are HOA rules?

A

HOA rules (Homeowners Association rules) are guidelines set by a homeowners association to manage and maintain the community. These rules are part of the association’s governing documents, which also include the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and bylaws1.

Key Aspects of HOA Rules:
Property Use: Rules about how properties can be used, including restrictions on home modifications, landscaping, and the types of vehicles that can be parked2.
Maintenance: Guidelines for maintaining the exterior of homes and common areas to ensure the community remains aesthetically pleasing2.
Behavioral Guidelines: Rules that govern the behavior of residents and their guests, such as noise restrictions, pet policies, and the use of common facilities1.
Enforcement: Procedures for enforcing the rules, including fines and other penalties for violations2.
HOA rules are designed to preserve property values, maintain the community’s appearance, and ensure a harmonious living environment1.

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5
Q

What is the definition of “the frontier”?

A

The frontier is a zone of contact at the edge of a line of settlement, encompassing geography, history, folklore, and cultural expression of life during American expansion.

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6
Q

What time period is considered the “Frontier Era”?

A

The Frontier Era is generally considered to be from the 1600s to 1890, marked by westward movement.

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7
Q

What significant event in 1607 marked the beginning of the American frontier?

A

The American frontier began with the English settlement of Virginia in 1607.

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8
Q

What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

A

The Louisiana Purchase under Thomas Jefferson significantly expanded the frontier by doubling the size of the United States and opening up new territories for settlement.

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9
Q

What event in 1890 marked the “end” of the frontier era?

A

In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared that there was no longer a clear line of advancing settlement, effectively marking the “end” of the frontier era.

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10
Q

What geographical area did the American frontier primarily focus on?

A

The frontier was primarily focused on the western part of the United States, characterized by abundant land and a more “primitive” way of life.

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11
Q

What was the main focus of the American frontier in terms of Native American lands?

A

The frontier focused on the conquest and settlement of Native American lands, especially west of the Mississippi River.

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12
Q

Why do some scholars argue that the frontier extended past 1890?

A

Some scholars note that a secondary frontier on the West Coast extended past the 1890 declaration, suggesting the frontier era wasn’t fully over.

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13
Q

What happened during the English settlement of Virginia in 1607?

A

In 1607, English settlers established the Jamestown Colony in Virginia, which marked the beginning of the American frontier. This was the first permanent English settlement in North America. The settlers faced extreme challenges like harsh conditions, conflict with Native Americans, and food shortages, but they eventually succeeded, laying the groundwork for future westward expansion.

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14
Q

What was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and why was it significant?

A

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was when the United States bought a vast territory from France for $15 million. The land, which covered most of the central part of North America, included the area between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, nearly doubling the size of the U.S. This expansion opened up huge opportunities for settlement and exploration and was instrumental in the westward movement of the American frontier.

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15
Q

What did the U.S. Census Bureau declare in 1890 regarding the frontier, and why was it important?

A

In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared that the frontier had been “closed,” meaning there was no longer a clear line of advancing settlement. This marked the end of the frontier era, as there were no more unsettled areas left to claim. The declaration indicated that the U.S. had reached its physical limits of expansion, though some scholars argue that a secondary frontier continued on the West Coast.

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16
Q

When was the frontier era?

A

Generally considered to be from the 1600s to 1890, marked by westward movement.

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17
Q

Frederick Jackson Turner’s frontier theory:

A

o many of the core American values come from this time:
 hard-work, self-reliance, individualism, equality of opportunity,
(attributes of the frontier settler aka the model of the free individual)
 and with them: inventiveness, optimism, mobility, nationalism…

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18
Q

three core american values

A

o Individualism and Self-Reliance
o Equality of Opportunity
o Competition and Hard Work

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19
Q

When did the American frontier officially begin?

A

The American frontier officially began in 1607 when Virginia was settled by the English.

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20
Q

When was it declared that the frontier line no longer existed?

A

In 1890, the U.S. Census Bureau declared that there was no longer a clear line of advancing settlement, marking the end of the frontier era.

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21
Q

Which region of the U.S. was most associated with the frontier?

A

The western part of the United States was most associated with the frontier, where land and resources were considered primitive and valuable.

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22
Q

What was the role of Native American lands in the frontier?

A

The frontier era was characterized by the conquest and settlement of Native American lands, often involving violence, displacement, and cultural erasure.

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23
Q

What were some consequences of the westward expansion for Native Americans?

A

Native Americans faced violence, forced displacement, and genocide as settlers moved westward, fundamentally altering their cultures and lives.

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24
Q

What was Manifest Destiny?

A

Manifest Destiny was the 19th-century belief that Americans were destined by God to expand across the continent, bringing democracy and civilization, often to the detriment of Native Americans.

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25
Q

How was Manifest Destiny related to westward expansion?

A

Manifest Destiny was used to justify westward expansion by portraying it as a divine right and mission, encouraging settlers to push further into Native American lands.

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26
Q

How was the Louisiana Purchase linked to Manifest Destiny?

A

WAS NOT MUCH, here is what Slay GPT said: The Louisiana Purchase (1803) expanded U.S. territory, setting the stage for Manifest Destiny, though Manifest Destiny ideologically justified further expansion to the Pacific Ocean, well after the purchase.

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27
Q

How did Manifest Destiny shape American frontier culture?

A

Manifest Destiny shaped American frontier culture by promoting the belief that the West needed to be “tamed” and that settlers were destined to bring civilization, democracy, and American values to the region, often through violent means.

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28
Q

What ideologies were central to frontier life in the U.S.?

A

Central frontier ideologies included rugged individualism, Manifest Destiny, and the belief in the superiority of American culture and democracy, which justified the displacement of Native Americans and the conquest of the land.

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29
Q

How did the idea of the American frontier contribute to American identity?

A

The frontier contributed to American identity by shaping ideals of self-reliance, individualism, and the belief in manifest destiny, with settlers portrayed as heroes in the “taming” of the wilderness.
hard work and competition
individualism and self-reliance
equal opportunities

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30
Q

What modern states were part of the Northwest Territory (1787)?

A

The Northwest Territory included parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

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31
Q

Which modern states were included in the Louisiana Purchase (1803)?

A

The Louisiana Purchase included parts of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.

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32
Q

What modern states were part of the Texas Annexation (1845)?

A

The Texas Annexation led to the addition of Texas and parts of New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

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33
Q

What modern states were part of the Oregon Territory (1846)?

A

The Oregon Territory included Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming and Montana.

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34
Q

What states were acquired by the U.S. through the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)?

A

The U.S. acquired California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and parts of Texas through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

35
Q

How was life on the American frontier?

A

Life on the frontier was difficult and unrefined compared to more urbanized areas, with settlers facing isolation, harsh environments, and rough living conditions.

36
Q

What was the media portrayal of the Old West?

A

The media romanticized the Old West, exaggerating its violence, anarchy, and lawlessness, creating a dramatic image of frontier life that was far from the daily reality.

37
Q

What inspired the Western genre of film?

A

The Western genre was inspired by the American frontier, focusing on the lives of cowboys, gunfighters, and settlers in the late 1800s, often romanticizing the hardships and violence of the period.

38
Q

How did Westerns influence popular media?

A

Westerns influenced TV shows, novels, comic books, and even children’s toys, often featuring iconic characters like cowboys fighting Native Americans, though these portrayals were often stereotypical and problematic.

39
Q

How were Native Americans affected by U.S. expansion? (this time it is about relocation)

A

Native Americans were forcibly relocated to reservations, with the U.S. government often breaking promises, leading to misery, poverty, and the destruction of their cultures.

40
Q

What is Frederick Jackson Turner’s Frontier Thesis?

A

A theory suggesting that American democracy and values were shaped by the frontier experience, emphasizing self-reliance and individualism. Also, it encourages hard work and equal opportunities to participate in fair competition, which bolsters American capitalism. While in theory this might sound good, the reality is anything but an equal field, and hard work does not necessarily lead to success.

41
Q

How did the Western genre evolve in its portrayal of Native Americans?

A

Early Westerns often depicted Native Americans as antagonists, but modern portrayals have become more sympathetic and critical of past injustices. (chiefly after the Civil Rights Movement).

42
Q

What is the impact of ‘rugged individualism’ on American culture?

A

It fostered a culture of self-reliance and skepticism of government intervention, influencing everything from personal identity to political ideology.

43
Q

What does the 2017 data say about American tendencies with guns?

A

 393 mill. guns > 326 mill. people
 42% of households has a gun
o reflects the American tendency to take the law into their own hands as Americans believe that police cannot protect them well

44
Q

What life did people live in the frontiers, leading to the self-reliant rugged individual thing?

A
  • pioneering experiences converted settlers into individualist
  • most of the frontier was free of society’s rules
  • these encouraged ppl to be self-reliant –> denied society’s comforts & conveniences (could do it on their own), setting of wilderness and isolation, self-reliance was beneficial for survival and success (they were fighting with nature)
    They constructed their own houses - hunting for food - tended their own gardens - made their own outfits and household items
45
Q

How did rugged individualism influence American personal life?

A

Rugged individualism promoted self-reliance, leading people to value independence and personal effort above community support, fostering isolation and the belief that success is solely a result of individual hard work.

46
Q

How did rugged individualism shape attitudes toward government?

A

It led to skepticism of government intervention, opposing taxes and regulations as infringements on personal freedom, and fostering a preference for minimal government involvement in personal and economic life.

47
Q

How is the 2nd Amendment tied to frontier values?

A

The 2nd Amendment reflects frontier values of self-reliance and personal protection, emphasizing the right to bear arms as essential for self-defense, stemming from the frontier necessity to manage safety independently of government intervention.

48
Q

What is rugged individualism?

A

A cultural ideal that values strength, self-reliance, and independence, often at the expense of collaboration. It portrays the ideal man as physically tough, emotionally stoic, and self-sufficient.

49
Q

How does rugged individualism influence modern American culture?

A

It continues to shape American culture by reinforcing skepticism of government aid, promoting the myth of meritocracy, and influencing media portrayals of masculinity, which glorify self-reliance and physical strength.

50
Q

What is the macho hero ideal in American culture?

A

A cultural archetype that emphasizes physical strength, dominance, and the use of violence to solve problems. It often excludes women and downplays the importance of emotional intelligence and cooperation.

51
Q

How does the macho hero ideal affect modern media and society?

A

It perpetuates outdated views of masculinity, influencing media portrayals and real-world attitudes towards violence, gun usage, and male roles. It is also echoed in “redpill” communities that promote traditionalist views of gender.
It can be also seen like superhero movies, soldiers, witty self-reliant detectives, tough policemen or even in maffia movies.

52
Q

How did self-reliance foster inventiveness on the American frontier?

A

Self-reliance on the frontier required constant problem-solving, fostering resourcefulness and creativity. This inventiveness spread through the population, shaping a national character that values innovation and adaptability.

53
Q

What is the ‘Can-Do’ spirit, and how did it originate?

A

The ‘Can-Do’ spirit is the belief that any problem can be solved with optimism and effort. It originated from frontier life, where resilience and faith in progress were essential for survival, becoming a source of national pride and motivation.

54
Q

How does the ‘Can-Do’ spirit impact American culture today?

A

It continues to influence American culture by promoting optimism, perseverance, and a forward-looking mindset. However, it can also lead to an oversimplification of complex issues, fostering unrealistic expectations about the ease of overcoming challenges.

55
Q

What is the concept of ‘Equality of Opportunity’ as seen on the American frontier?

A

On the frontier, social distinctions were less pronounced, with people living, dressing, and working similarly. This fostered a belief in equal treatment, where success depended on individual effort rather than social status or luck.

56
Q

How did the frontier experience shape the belief in upward mobility?

A

The frontier offered a chance for a fresh start, reinforcing the idea that hard work could lead to better opportunities and success. This belief in upward mobility became a core American value, emphasizing effort over inherited status.

57
Q

How does the saying ‘What’s above the ground is more important than what’s beneath the ground’ reflect frontier values?

A

This saying highlights the frontier belief in the importance of visible achievements and present efforts over background or ancestry. It underscores the value placed on what individuals can accomplish through hard work and determination.

58
Q

How has the concept of equality of opportunity evolved in American society?

A

While the frontier ideal suggested that hard work could lead to success for anyone, modern critiques highlight that structural inequalities often hinder true equal opportunity. Despite this, the myth of meritocracy remains influential in American culture.

59
Q

What role did hard work and upward mobility play in frontier culture?

A

Frontier culture was built on the belief that success came through hard work and personal effort. With abundant land and resources, individuals could rise in socioeconomic status, promoting the idea that upward mobility was achievable without reliance on inherited privilege or luck.

60
Q

How did the frontier experience contribute to a distrust of government, and how does this manifest in modern political leanings?

A
  • Frontier settlers viewed government as an intrusion on their freedom and self-sufficiency
  • Areas with greater historical frontier experience show more pervasive individualism and opposition to redistribution, and may be more likely to support the Republican Party
  • This translates to opposition to social welfare programs and equality measures, as these contradict the belief in individual effort
  • The effects of the frontier have persisted over time in these areas
61
Q

How does the historical frontier experience influence modern political leanings in certain states?

A

States with a greater historical frontier experience tend to exhibit stronger individualism and opposition to government redistribution, aligning with conservative values. This is reflected in greater support for the Republican Party, which advocates for smaller government and lower taxes.
Locations with greater frontier experience show stronger opposition to government regulations and interventions, including the Affordable Care Act, increases in the minimum wage, the ban on assault rifles, and the regulation of CO2 emissions.

62
Q

What explains the opposition to social welfare programs in regions with frontier heritage?

A

The frontier’s emphasis on self-reliance and individual effort leads to skepticism of social welfare programs. These regions often view such programs as undermining the belief that success should be earned through hard work, rather than government assistance.

63
Q

How did the frontier environment promote social mobility?

A

The frontier provided abundant land and resources, enabling individuals to improve their socioeconomic status through their efforts. The shared hardships and lack of rigid class structures created a more level playing field, emphasizing merit over birthright.

64
Q

Why did social mobility decline as frontier territories developed?

A

As frontier areas became settled and resources like land became scarcer, traditional forces of inequality reasserted themselves. The closing of the frontier meant fewer opportunities for upward mobility, as economic and social structures became more entrenched.

65
Q

How are frontier ideals connected to free-market capitalism?

A

Frontier values of individual freedom, self-reliance, and limited government align with free-market capitalism’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and material progress. The belief that individuals should have the freedom to pursue economic opportunities without government interference reflects core capitalist principles.

66
Q

How is the frontier used as a symbol in American culture and rhetoric?

A

The frontier has been used to symbolize progress, opportunity, and a new beginning. * It has been invoked by politicians, such as John F. Kennedy, to inspire innovation and a sense of national purpose. * The frontier can also be associated with violence and exploitation, as in the popular images of “Buffalo Bill”. * The idea of the frontier is very prevalent in American thought and language. * The frontier has been a symbol used for everything from western expansion to technological development.

67
Q

What are the potential contradictions between frontier values and modern American ideals?

A

Frontier values emphasize self-reliance and minimal government intervention, which can conflict with modern efforts to address systemic inequalities through social welfare programs. Balancing these values with contemporary concerns for social justice and equity remains a challenge.

68
Q

How does frontier culture persist over time, and what are the mechanisms involved?

A
  • Frontier culture may persist through intergenerational transmission of values and beliefs
  • Narratives and myths about the frontier continue to influence people’s views on the role of government and individual responsibility
  • The frontier is also seen as a symbol of American exceptionalism and has been tied to the American national identity
  • The frontier is frequently invoked in political rhetoric and is a part of the public consciousness
69
Q

Gold Rush

A
  • 1848-1855
  • California gold brought settlers scrambling westward like moths to a flame (or capitalists to profits)
  • wasn’t just gold, though. Mining booms throughout the frontier—silver, copper, and more
  • The West became a magnet for fortune-seekers, but also massive exploitation, boomtown chaos, and—you guessed it—more displacement of Native communities
70
Q

West Coast

A

Counties on the Pacific Coast, from California to Oregon, kept the frontier spirit alive with mining, agriculture, and railroads pushing through the 20th century

71
Q

Midwest

A

Big farmland expansion, “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” farming energy

72
Q

South

A

More plantation-driven economies clashing with frontier ideals

73
Q

Gun Culture and Violence:

A

 The frontier’s lawlessness necessitated personal defense, reinforcing the association between masculinity and firearm usage.
 The Second Amendment’s prominence reflects this legacy, as Americans historically viewed gun ownership as essential for self-protection and liberty.
 By 2017, there were 393 million guns for 326 million people in the U.S., a testament to the entrenched nature of this cultural connection.
 However, this glorification of guns has also been linked to modern issues, including elevated rates of gun violence and school shootings.

74
Q

Cultural and Media Representation of the Frontier Hero

A

o The rugged individualist evolved into a dominant figure in American media, depicted as cowboys, soldiers, or detectives embodying the values of strength and independence.
o These portrayals often exclude women and minimize the importance of cooperation, perpetuating a narrow and problematic vision of heroism.

75
Q

Who came up with the frontier thesis?

A

Frederick Jackson Turner, historian

76
Q

Modern frontier

A

o It is important to recognize that today’s frontier is not the same as the 19th century frontier.
o The “frontiering spirit” has shifted to new frontiers such as technology, space, and medicine.
o The traditional view of the frontier is still powerful, shaping political rhetoric and public understanding of history.

77
Q

Settler Colonialism:

A

Settler colonialism is a distinct type of colonialism that functions through the replacement of indigenous populations with an invasive settler society. This involves not just the political control of a region but also the systematic dispossession and erasure of the original inhabitants.
It’s characterized by the ongoing attempt to eliminate the previous society and culture. This includes the appropriation of land and resources, and the imposition of new legal and cultural systems. The goal is to create a new society, not merely to exploit the existing one.

78
Q

Western Movie Genre:

A

The Western genre is a category of film and other arts that typically portrays stories set in the American Old West during the latter half of the 19th century.
Key elements often include nomadic cowboys or gunfighters equipped with revolvers and rifles, riding horses. These protagonists are frequently depicted in conflict with Native Americans or outlaws and often embody themes of individualism, self-reliance, and the struggle between civilization and savagery. The Western genre often exaggerates the romance, anarchy, and violence of the period for dramatic effect.
Westerns often use archetypal characters and narratives to explore ideas about the American identity and the nature of progress.

79
Q

What are some major criticisms of Turner’s frontier thesis?

A
  • Romanticization: Idealized frontiersmen, marginalizing women, Indigenous people, and minorities, ignoring Native American displacement.
  • Eurocentrism: Focused on Anglo-American experiences, neglecting other communities’ contributions.
  • Oversimplification: Viewed the frontier as a simple east-to-west movement, ignoring complex migration and interactions.
  • Legacy of Myths: Despite critiques, Turner’s ideas influence popular culture and historical scholarship.
80
Q

How is the frontier used as a metaphor in modern contexts?

A

Represents progress, promise, and ingenuity.
Associated with conquering new spaces, such as technology, space exploration, and personal growth. –> entertainment industry etc.

81
Q

How are frontier themes reflected in 21st-century media, especially in technology?

A

Technological Frontier: Cyberspace and the internet seen as new frontiers, with users depicted as pioneers, despite surveillance and data collection risks.
Social Media: Platforms like Facebook use frontier rhetoric to promote economic growth while minimizing risks.

82
Q

How can Elon Musk’s “X” and cultural-political dominance in online spaces be connected to frontier expansionism?

A

Expansionism Parallel: Musk’s push for dominance in online spaces mirrors historical frontier expansion, seeking to conquer new digital territories.
Cultural-Political Influence: Uses frontier rhetoric to justify innovation and control in cyberspace, reflecting traditional expansionist ideologies.

83
Q

How did frontier demographics differ from settled areas? What type of people were attracted to the American frontier?

A

Frontier populations were disproportionately male, prime-age, and foreign-born with higher levels of individualism. Independent, self-reliant individuals and families seeking new opportunities.