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The Civil War also remains a significant demarcation point today because it is still a source of national division and debate. The war raised fundamental questions about the nature of the American experiment, and these questions continue to be debated today.

Other Turning Points in American History

There are a number of other turning points in American history that historians have emphasized or should emphasize. Some of these turning points include:

• The American Revolution: The American Revolution was the birth of the United States as an independent nation. It was a period of great upheaval and change, and it left a lasting impact on the country’s political and social institutions.
• The Constitutional Convention: The Constitutional Convention was the meeting of delegates from the thirteen states who drafted the United States Constitution. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and it has had a profound impact on American history and society.
• The Louisiana Purchase: The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. This purchase doubled the size of the United States and opened up new opportunities for westward expansion.
• The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid technological and economic change that began in the late 18th century. The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on American society, leading to the rise of cities and the emergence of a new middle class.
• The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a period of social and political activism that began in the 1950s. The Civil Rights Movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

How Other Turning Points Could Influence Where American History Surveys Begin and End

The turning points listed above could influence where American history surveys begin and end in a number of ways. For example, a survey could begin with the American Revolution and end with the Civil War, or it could begin with the Industrial Revolution and end with the Civil Rights Movement.

Another approach would be to focus on a specific theme or topic, such as American identity, westward expansion, or social reform. This approach would allow historians to explore the different turning points in American history that contributed to the development of that theme or topic.

Ultimately, the decision of where to begin and end an American history survey is up to the individual historian or instructor. However, the turning points listed above provide a good starting point for thinking about the different ways that American history can be organized and taught.

Here are some specific examples of how other turning points in American history could influence where American history surveys begin and end:

• An American history survey could begin with the Louisiana Purchase and end with the Mexican-American War. This approach would allow historians to focus on the westward expansion of the United States and the conflicts that arose as a result.
• An American history survey could begin with the Industrial Revolution and end with the Great Depression. This approach would allow historians to focus on the economic and social changes that occurred in the United States during this period.
• An American history survey could begin with the Progressive Era and end with the New Deal. This approach would allow historians to focus on the rise of government activism in the United States and the efforts to address social and economic problems.
• An American history survey could begin with the Civil Rights Movement and end with the present day. This approach would allow historians to focus on the ongoing struggle for racial and social justice in the United States.

It is important to note that there is no one right way to organize an American history survey. The best approach will depend on the specific goals of the survey and the audience for which it is intended. However, the turning points listed above provide a good starting point for thinking about the different ways that American history can be organized and taught.