Wow I am definitely in accord with your blog posting that suggest that the expansion of the American culture was no longer possible or “tubula rasa”. Once conflict between the Americans and the Indians occurred it was possible to say that expansion was another word for theft. Turner’s statement that depicted the western frontier as a “Free Land”, was totally opinion based that proved to be false. Unfortunately Americans at this time period were naive enough to follow this concept and adopt a certain attitude that made them feel as though they were free to consume the territory of the western frontier. Advancement of weaponry that we had over the natives of the western frontier has proven effective as the Americans merged through territory which was considered a “Clean Slate”. The same ideas and attitude that Americans had in the past relating to western expansion can be seen at this present time. For instance, I mentioned in class on 8/29/09 expansion of the American culture can be seen today if we were to look at the war taking place in the Middle East (Afghanistan). Modern day technology and war tactics are being used to force a population of people to accept and adopt an American culture. The challenge of American Expansion is obviously growing more difficult as we struggle to gain new ground because of the advancement of technology and weapons in other countries. As time continues the possibility of American expansion will continue to diminish if not fade if we continue to practice our arrogant ways of merging through new territory. Great job on your blog post.
I'm glad you liked the donuts, Peter!
ReplyDeleteWow I am definitely in accord with your blog posting that suggest that the expansion of the American culture was no longer possible or “tubula rasa”. Once conflict between the Americans and the Indians occurred it was possible to say that expansion was another word for theft. Turner’s statement that depicted the western frontier as a “Free Land”, was totally opinion based that proved to be false. Unfortunately Americans at this time period were naive enough to follow this concept and adopt a certain attitude that made them feel as though they were free to consume the territory of the western frontier. Advancement of weaponry that we had over the natives of the western frontier has proven effective as the Americans merged through territory which was considered a “Clean Slate”. The same ideas and attitude that Americans had in the past relating to western expansion can be seen at this present time. For instance, I mentioned in class on 8/29/09 expansion of the American culture can be seen today if we were to look at the war taking place in the Middle East (Afghanistan). Modern day technology and war tactics are being used to force a population of people to accept and adopt an American culture. The challenge of American Expansion is obviously growing more difficult as we struggle to gain new ground because of the advancement of technology and weapons in other countries. As time continues the possibility of American expansion will continue to diminish if not fade if we continue to practice our arrogant ways of merging through new territory. Great job on your blog post.
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