The Idea of Progress : The New Frontier

        According to Sidney Pollard, “a belief in progress implies the assumption that a pattern of change exists in the history of mankind, that it consists of irreversible changes in one general direction only, and that this direction is toward improvement.” In the United States, progress is namely illustrated by the search for the American Frontier. How did its search evolve over time? This evolution can be best understood by considering three distinct definitions of the frontier concept:  first, “American Progress”, which refers to a geographical frontier, then President Kennedy’s inspirational reference to a “New Frontier”, and finally, a cultural interpretation of frontier.

        John Gast’s painting entitled “American Progress” shows how the first American settlers moved westwards and progressively conquered uncharted territories. In the middle of the picture a giant female figure stands as the allegory of civilization – be it social, political or even scientific. The movement depicted in the work represents the irresistible march of progress: indeed, we can see how the stagecoach replaces the wagon or how farmers ploughing their land make Indians natives and buffaloes run away. This image reveals how the idea of Manifest Destiny is inextricably linked to that of the American frontier as spatial progression is constantly associated with historical evolution. In the 19th century, President Andrew Jackson spoke about “extending the area of freedom”; indeed, he clearly believed, as journalist John O’Sullivan said it, that the American mission was to “overspread the continent allotted by Providence”. The expansion did not stop once this terrestrial frontier had been reached. This leads me to my second point of view.

        In fact, Kennedy’s “Acceptance Address” can be seen as a prolongation of the Manifest Destiny tradition. Uttered in Los Angeles which “was once the last frontier” the pioneers reached, it represents the new challenges the American people had to face. Giving the pioneers tribute for being “strong and of good courage” in overcoming their enemies, he identifies America’s new enemy, that is, Communism. He modernizes Lincoln’s question whether democracy can “long endure” to urge the American people to continue to pursue liberty : what is at stake with the New Frontier is now a political challenge. Replacing the geographical conquest of the Manifest Destiny, the New Frontier introduces a new idea of progress: the uncharted areas will be explored and conquered by new political decisions. The concept of political frontier remains accurate today, but it is important to consider cultural frontier, as well.

        One could consider the worldwide presence of Starbucks and McDonald’s stores as an illustration of the global expansion of the “American Way of Life”. 118 countries have MacDonald’s restaurants. While he taste can slightly change from one place to another, anyone can savor anywhere a MacDonald’s menu: a perfect example of globalization. President Jackson’s extension of the area of freedom and President Kennedy’s New Frontier find its reflection in this American soft power, as demonstrated by a quote from former President W. Bush: “The story of America is the story of expanding liberty. Our nation’s founding commitment is still our deepest commitment: in our world and here at home, we will extend the frontier of freedom.”

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