The frontier development was the turning point in the history of the United States because it marked the beginning of European colonies in America and defined the character and spirit of America for centuries ahead, together with the conflicts between Native Americans and the colonists. According to the Oregon model, the frontier development passed through three distinct stages marked by contact through trade, penetration, and settlement of the America by the European colonists.
According to the Oregon model, the first stage of frontier movement involved exploration by European expeditions of the territory beyond the frontier. The European travelers came to America to search for raw materials, which they could use in Europe. Such expeditions, including the expedition of headed James Cook in search of the shortest route to Asia led to the exploration of West coast of the United States (Loy, et al., 2001). With this I perspective, it is worth mentioning the expedition of Clark and Lewis in Oregon, which led to the exploration of the territory and establishment of the state by European Colonialist.
The second stage of frontier development culminated into development of settlements and contacts between missionaries and trappers, on the other hand, and the natives, on the other hand. The Europeans first penetrated the territory and managed to develop economic and cultural links in Oregon. The initial intention of the colonists was for religious, commercial, and cultural aims. They did not intend to invade and capture the Native Americans.
The third stage of the frontier development involved settlement and construction of forts, and further extend the territory. For example, Fort Astoria constructed at the bank or Columbia River, which later became the western outpost of Pacific Fur Company, was the first permanent settlement of Europeans in Oregon (Gradus & Lithwick, 1996). In conclusion, the frontier development passed through three stages, starting with trade, penetration, and finally settlement.
References:
Gradus, Y. & Lithwick, H. (1996). Frontiers in regional development. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
Loy, W. et al. (2001). Atlas of Oregon. Oregon: University of Oregon Press
