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Lesson 32 of 84 ยท Westward Expansion

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The Closing of the Frontier

๐ŸŒMission Brief #32

The closing of the American frontier in the late 19th century marked a significant transition in U.

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Then & Now

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The closing of the American frontier in the late 19th century marked a significant transition in U.S. history, indicating the end of a period of expansion and settlement. By 1890, the U.S. Census declared that there was no longer a clear line of settlement, meaning that the vast, open lands that had once existed were now largely occupied. This shift prompted a national conversation about the implications of frontier closure, including concerns over economic opportunities, social mobility, and the identity of the American experience. The closing of the frontier led to increased urbanization as people sought opportunities in rapidly growing cities.

Key Facts

1

The U.S. Census Bureau declared the frontier closed in 1890.

2

The closing of the frontier influenced the rise of urbanization.

3

The concept of the 'frontier spirit' became central to American identity.

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Question 1

1 of 2

What did the U.S. Census Bureau declare in 1890 regarding the frontier?

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