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Third, the American Revolution was a major event in world history. It inspired other revolutions around the world, and it helped to spread the ideas of democracy and republicanism.

The demarcation between the colonial and early national periods persists to this day because it is a useful way to divide American history into two distinct periods. The colonial period is characterized by European rule, while the early national period is characterized by American independence and self-government.

Other turning points in American history that historians have emphasized or should emphasize include:

• The Civil War: The Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in American history, and it resulted in the end of slavery and the preservation of the Union.
• The Reconstruction era: The Reconstruction era was a time of great change and upheaval in American society. It was during this time that the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were passed, granting African Americans citizenship and the right to vote.
• The Progressive Era: The Progressive Era was a time of reform in American society. During this time, many Americans fought to improve working conditions, protect consumers, and regulate big business.
• The New Deal: The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. The New Deal helped to create jobs, provide relief to the poor, and stimulate the economy.
• World War II: World War II was a global conflict that had a profound impact on the United States. The United States emerged from the war as a global superpower.
• The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a struggle for racial equality in the United States. The movement led to the passage of important civil rights legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• The Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was a long and controversial conflict that had a significant impact on American society. The war led to a loss of trust in the government and a decline in public confidence.
• The Watergate scandal: The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. The scandal damaged public trust in the government and led to reforms in government ethics.
• The fall of the Berlin Wall: The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the end of the Cold War. The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• The 9/11 terrorist attacks: The 9/11 terrorist attacks were a series of coordinated attacks on the United States that resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. The attacks led to the War on Terror and a new era of national security concerns.

These are just a few of the many turning points in American history. Historians continue to debate and discuss which turning points are most important, and new turning points may emerge in the future.