Events That Made America: 1776-1876 | The American Experiment at 250 (Part 1)

America turns 250 this year. To mark the occasion, Peter Zablocki and Tom Reszka — the hosts of History Teachers Talking — sit down to debate the ten events that shaped the first half of the American story, from the founding in 1776 to the hollow centennial of 1876. From the Constitutional Convention to the Civil War, from the Louisiana Purchase to the collapse of Reconstruction, these are the moments where America made its defining choices — and where the consequences are still being felt today. Plus three honorable mentions that almost made the cut — and why. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 covers 1876 to 2026. History Teachers Talking is part of the History Shorts Network.