Meaning: The quote by Peter Matthiessen provides a thought-provoking insight into his interest in the American frontier and the growth of capitalism. In this quote, he reflects on the enormous fortunes that were being made during this period, often at the expense of the marginalized and oppressed individuals, including poor people, black people, and Native American people. Matthiessen suggests that these groups paid a high price, often in blood, for the accumulation of wealth by the privileged few.

Peter Matthiessen was an American writer, known for his exploration of nature, wildlife, and social justice issues. His quote reflects his keen awareness of the historical and social implications of the American frontier and the economic system that drove its expansion. The American frontier, which symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States, was characterized by exploration, settlement, and the exploitation of natural resources. It was a period marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and the pursuit of wealth and opportunity.

Matthiessen's mention of the growth of capitalism sheds light on the economic forces at play during this time. Capitalism, as an economic system, emphasizes private ownership and the pursuit of profit. The expansion of capitalism during the American frontier era brought about significant wealth for some individuals and industries. However, as Matthiessen points out, this accumulation of wealth often came at a steep cost for those who were marginalized and oppressed.

The reference to "enormous fortunes" being made on the "blood of poor people, black people, Indian people" underscores the dark side of the American frontier's economic development. The exploitation of labor, including enslaved individuals and indigenous populations, played a central role in the accumulation of wealth for a privileged few. The quote highlights the stark contrast between the prosperity enjoyed by some and the suffering endured by others as a result of the pursuit of wealth and power.

Throughout American history, the exploitation and marginalization of certain groups have been intertwined with the pursuit of economic gain and expansion. The plight of Native American communities, who were dispossessed of their lands and subjected to violence and displacement, is a central part of this narrative. Similarly, the history of slavery in the United States reflects the profound injustices and suffering inflicted on black people for the economic benefit of others.

Matthiessen's critical reflection on the American frontier and capitalism serves as a reminder of the complex and often troubling realities that underlie the nation's economic and historical development. His words prompt us to consider the human cost of progress and prosperity, challenging us to confront the legacies of exploitation and injustice that continue to reverberate in contemporary society.

In conclusion, Peter Matthiessen's quote offers a compelling perspective on the American frontier and the growth of capitalism, drawing attention to the immense fortunes amassed at the expense of marginalized and oppressed groups. His words invite us to critically examine the historical and social implications of economic expansion, urging us to confront the enduring legacies of exploitation and injustice.