Sometimes, big turning points in our history announce themselves loudly and clearly. But not all do. The period around 1830 marked a hard turn in American history without an obvious sharp break. Our own time could easily end up marking something similarly profound before we realize entirely what has happened.

On the page or at the time, the events of 1830 reveal no obvious tectonic shift, although a series of events between 1828 and 1832 (corresponding to Andrew Jackson's election and first term as president) suggested to keen-eyed observers that something big was afoot -- or more properly, several big somethings. ...

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