Turning Points―Actual and Alternate Histories: Manifest Destiny and the Expansion of America

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 185109833X ISBN 13: 9781851098330

Publisher: ABC-CLIO, 2007

In this unique reference, leading historians describe not only how the expansion of the American nation in the early 19th century was a turning point in U.S. history that led to the Civil War, but also alternative scenarios―what happened and what almost happened.

· Each chapter presents the actual history along with a "what if" scenario of what may have happened had a crucial point turned out differently

· Primary sources include the complete text of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates and a chronology details key events during the Era of Expansion

Book Description:

What if Texas had remained independent? What if the Mexican War had turned out differently and the question of slavery had remained dormant? What if the Lincoln-Douglas debates had not propelled Abraham Lincoln into the national spotlight? What if the United States had peacefully divided into two nations instead of engaging in civil war? These scenarios represent the road not taken in American history. But what if we'd chosen differently?

About the Author:

Rodney P. Carlisle, PhD, is professor emeritus of history at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, and vice president of History Associates Incorporated, Rockville, MD.

J. Geoffrey Golson is president and editor of Golson Books, Ltd., Croton-on-Hudson, NY.