Turning Points: 1754-1877

1754 v. 1763
1754: The beginning of the French and Indian War, sparked by France's advancement into the Ohio River Valley. The early failures of the British and Colonialist fighters showed America's dependence on Britain for military strength. This was the first war fought in the American colonies, and ignited the kindling of American discontent when taxations rose in response to battle costs.
1763: The Treaty of Paris saw the end of the French and Indian war in favor of the British. The British received Canada from France and Florida from Spain, but permitted France to keep its West Indian sugar islands and gave Louisiana to Spain.
Best Choice: 1763- Washington emerged as a political and military leader in the Colonies, the threats of foreign presences to the North and South were removed, and expansion into the Mississippi Valley was made possible.

1763 v. 1776
1763: The Treaty of Paris saw the end of the French and Indian war in favor of the British. The British received Canada from France and Florida from Spain, but permitted France to keep its West Indian sugar islands and gave Louisiana to Spain.Washington emerged as a political and military leader in the Colonies, the threats of foreign presences to the North and South were removed, and expansion into the Mississippi Valley was made possible.
1776: The US issues the Declaration of Independence, listing their grievances with British rule. George Washington crosses the Delaware, the war for American Independence began.
Best Choice: 1776- The USA emerged as wanting independence and united under their escape from British oppression and rule, with themes of freedom and independence echoing in philosophical ideals and European revolutions.

1789 v. 1800
1789: Bill of Rights is made, Washington is inaugurated as President, congress passes its first tax, the US Army is constitutionally formed.
1800: Jefferson is elected as President after running against John Adams, signaling the end of the Federalist party; US capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington. The first peaceful transition of power is made in US history. Quasi-War was ended between the US and Britain against the French Republic and Spain.
Best choice: 1789- Washington is made the first president of the United States, setting precendences that shaped the manners of US politics. America is challenged with constructing a functioning government, the success or failure of which decides the fate of the nation and it's position in world politics.

1828 v. 1844
1828: JQA signs Tariff of Abominations, which sparked the Nullification Crisis in South Carolina (starting feelings of sectionalism), two party system is established, Jacksonian Democracy is on the rise.
1844: Polk is elected, beginning the sentiments of Manifest Destiny with expansion into Oregon territory and push towards annexing Texas.
Best Choice: 1844- The early pushed towards expansionism and the election of Polk led to a shifting American ideology and the evolution of America's size, political tactics, and mentalities.

1848 v. 1850
1848: US ends the Mexican-American War with the Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo, gold is found in California, Zachary Taylor is elected president, Seneca Falls Convention is held
1850: Henry Clay introduces Compromise of 1850 for slavery, California enters as a free state, Fugitive Slave Act is passed (overturning Missouri Compromise), Free States gain balance in the Senate, Territories of New Mexico and Utah are created, Millard Fillmore is sworn in as president.
Best choice: 1850- This year set the stage for the beginnings of hostile tension between North and South, the Compromise of 1850's impact reduced to little. The slavery question and constant teetering of balance between slave and free further divided the nation.

1860 v. 1865:
1860: Abraham Lincoln is elected, prompting the beginnings of succession of the Lower South, with other states' succession being proved inevitable.
1865: 13th Amendment is passed, American Civil War is ended with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomatax Court House, Reconstruction Era begins, Abraham Lincoln is assassinated, Andrew Johnson steps up as President, the KKK is formed.
Best Choice: 1865- with the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln, America was on the edge of a huge change. Reconstruction would bring about numerous changes for America and African-Americans particularly, launching the United States into a struggle for civil rights and economic struggle alike.

1865 v. 1877:
1865: 13th Amendment is passed, American Civil War is ended with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomatax Court House, Reconstruction Era begins, Abraham Lincoln is assassinated, Andrew Johnson steps up as President, the KKK is formed.
1877: Military Reconstruction ends, Compromise of 1877, a purported informal, unwritten deal that settled the intensely disputed 1876 U.S. presidential election, pulled federal troops out of state politics in the South, and ended the Reconstruction Era.
Best Choice: 1865- with the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln, America was on the edge of a huge change. Reconstruction would bring about numerous changes for America and African-Americans particularly, launching the United States into a struggle for civil rights and economic struggle alike.