What was James F Cooper's contribution to American Literature?

James Fenimore Cooper was a prominent American writer known for pioneering the genre of the American novel, particularly in his historical romances like "The Last of the Mohicans." His work emphasized themes of the American frontier, exploring issues of race, identity, and morality in the early years of the United States. Cooper's writing helped shape American literature by reflecting the nation's evolving identity and serving as a bridge between European and American literary traditions.