Some historians argue that the common experience of the frontier was one of hardships and failure because the reality of frontier life was often very different from the romanticized version that was popularized in literature and popular culture. The reality of the frontier was that it was a harsh and unforgiving environment where settlers had to contend with a variety of challenges, including harsh weather conditions, disease, and attacks from Native Americans.
Additionally, many settlers were ill-prepared for the harsh realities of frontier life. They often lacked the necessary skills, resources, and knowledge to survive in the wilderness, which led to many failures and hardships. Furthermore, many settlers were lured to the frontier by the promise of free land, but the land was often poor quality, and the work needed to make it productive was backbreaking and often not profitable.
Moreover, the frontier was not a place of equal opportunities, as it was shaped by the political, economic and social dynamics of the time. Therefore, the homesteaders and small farmers who were seeking to establish their own farms and ranches were often at a disadvantage compared to the large corporations and wealthy speculators who were able to acquire large tracts of land and control the local economy.
In conclusion, historians argue that the common experience of the frontier was one of hardships and failure because the reality of frontier life was often very different from the romanticized version that was popularized in literature and popular culture. The frontier was a harsh and unforgiving environment where many settlers were ill-prepared for the harsh realities of frontier life and often failed to establish a successful livelihood.