In his essay, Turner argued that the frontier had been a crucial force in shaping American society. The continuous westward expansion of the American frontier, he posited, had promoted democracy, egalitarianism, and individualism, and had created a unique American character. Turner believed that the frontier had been a safety valve for social unrest, as it provided opportunities for those seeking economic and social advancement to move westward and start anew.
Turner's frontier thesis had a profound impact on American historiography and American self-perception. It emphasized the importance of the American West in shaping the nation's identity and values. While the thesis has been revised and challenged by subsequent scholars, Turner's central idea that expansion and the frontier played a significant role in American history remains influential.