Turning points in American history that historians have emphasized or should emphasize

Full Answer Section

     

• The Gold Rush: The Gold Rush of 1848-1849 brought a flood of new immigrants to the United States and led to the rapid development of California. The Gold Rush also had a significant impact on the environment and the Native Americans of California.
• The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968) was a period of intense social and political activism that led to the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Civil Rights Movement helped to end segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States.
• The Vietnam War: The Vietnam War (1954-1975) was a long and costly war that divided the American public. The war ended in a defeat for the United States and had a profound impact on American society and politics.
• The Watergate scandal: The Watergate scandal (1972-1974) was a political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The Watergate scandal eroded public trust in government and had a lasting impact on American politics.
• The rise of neoliberalism: Neoliberalism is an economic philosophy that emphasizes free markets, privatization, and deregulation. Neoliberalism has had a significant impact on the United States economy and society since the late 20th century.
• The September 11th attacks: The September 11th attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. The attacks led to the War on Terror and had a profound impact on American society and politics.

These are just a few of the many turning points in American history that historians have emphasized or should emphasize. These turning points have had a significant impact on the development of the United States and continue to shape the country today. How might these other turning points influence where new American history surveys begin and end? The inclusion of other turning points in American history surveys could lead to a number of changes in the way that American history is taught. For example, a survey course that begins with the American Revolution and ends with the Civil War might be expanded to include the Mexican-American War, the Gold Rush, and the Civil Rights Movement. This would allow students to learn about the important historical events and developments that shaped the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. Another possibility is that American history surveys could be reorganized to focus on specific themes, such as race, class, gender, and the environment. This would allow students to learn about how these themes have shaped the United States over time. For example, a survey course that focuses on race could begin with the enslavement of Africans and end with the Black Lives Matter movement. Ultimately, the decision of where to begin and end American history surveys is a complex one that depends on a variety of factors, including the instructor's teaching philosophy, the course objectives, and the needs of the students. However, the inclusion of other turning points in American history surveys is an important way to ensure that students learn about the full range of historical events and developments that have shaped the United States.  

Sample Answer