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Glossary

Frontier: GCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

Published

Read time

1 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. What was the Frontier?
  2. 2. Why did the Frontier Cause Issues with Indigenous Peoples?
  3. 3. Frontier Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources

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Author
Reviewer
Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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