According to Frederick Jackson Turner's thesis, how did the frontier affect social classes?

Frederick Jackson Turner's thesis posits that the existence and settlement of the American frontier played a crucial role in shaping American democracy and society. He argued that the frontier acted as a social leveler, diminishing distinctions among social classes. As settlers moved westward, they engaged in a shared experience of hardship and opportunity that encouraged egalitarian attitudes and minimized existing class stratifications.

The frontier provided opportunities for individuals to own land, achieve economic independence, and participate in the democratic process, which contributed to a more fluid social structure. Unlike the established class systems in Europe, the challenges of frontier life necessitated cooperation and reliance on one another, fostering a sense of community that transcended social divisions. This leveling effect was critical in shaping the identity of American society during westward expansion.

In contrast to this concept, other aspects such as strengthened class divisions, reinforced racial hierarchies, or increased governmental authority do not align with Turner's interpretation of the frontier. These ideas suggest a more rigid societal structure or increasing class and racial tensions, which Turner explicitly sought to refute in his analysis of the American experience in relation to the frontier.