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Haim

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11 June 2019

Primary Document Analysis

The documents analyzed two essays from American history. The first essay is the ‘The Significance of the Frontier in American History by Frederick Jackson Turner, 1894. The essay is a just interpretation of Turner's own views themed around the social evolution of America through history. He emphasizes on the ideals of how the closing of the frontier can resolve and restore American progression by supporting his claims through historical evidence. Turner relays that the frontier line distinguishes between civilization and wilderness. He further states that democratic ideals have been idealized differently along the frontiers. He referred to man’s growth as a wilderness, therefore, he suggested that it is subdued upon the man to keep improving on the culture and society CITATION WRO91 \l 1033 (D.M.). Significant credit is given to the frontier since it helped Americans in recognizing their individuality away from British impressions. The frontier significantly helped America expand and develop democracy, communication, legislation, and transportation on independent terms.

The second essay ‘Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A series of very plain talks on very practical politics” was authored by William L. Riordon in 1905. The essay is a comprehensive read on how many politicians use their power for their personal gains. And how it created a relationship between them and the voters. George Washington Plunkitt life experiences reflect upon how to get rich and maintain power. The essay sets the honest and dishonest draft by Plunkitt to its core, suggesting that power could be easily advanced by keeping the opportunities for themselves but also transferring it to society. Plunkitt understood human nature, therefore he believed in full patronage. Riordon states that Plunkitt wielded so much power both in the public and the private sectors that he could easily manipulate those in power to pursue his interests. This included giving people jobs and resolving their issues by prioritizing the party members attracted further allegiances. Plunkitt was against the civil service since it required merit and many of his supporters would not qualify. Moreover, he did not believe in reform or movements. And lastly, he concluded that Newyork City was controlled by Republicans and it would be difficult for the Democrats to seize power from them.

References

BIBLIOGRAPHY D.M., Wrobel. The End Of American Exceptionalism: Frontier Anxiety From The Old West To The New Deal. Science Index (1991).

Frederick Jackson Turner. The Significance of the Frontier in American History. Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1894.

Riordon, William L. Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical. New York: McClure, Phillips, & Co, 1905.