Frontier - GCSE History Definition
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What was the Frontier?
In GCSE History, a frontier is a boundary between two countries or an area considered 'civilised' and an area considered 'uncivilised.' The frontier played a significant role in relations between white settlers and Indigenous peoples in the American West.
Why did the Frontier Cause Issues with Indigenous Peoples?
In 1834, the US government passed the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act. This established the 'permanent Indian Frontier' west of the Mississippi River. However, by the 1850s, territories like Kansas and Nebraska formed behind the frontier. The US government, white settlers and train companies consistently ignored the frontier, especially by the 1860s. This created significant conflict with Indigenous peoples such as Red Cloud's War (1866-1868).
In 1890, the US government officially declared the 'permanent Indian Frontier' closed. Indigenous peoples had been forced to assimilate with the culture of white settlers.
Frontier Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams
Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where the frontier fits into the revision notes for those specifications.
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