A conservative historian examines some of the pivotal, yet often ignored, moments that shaped our history

All students of American history know the big events that dramatically shaped our country. The Civil War, Pearl Harbor, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and 9/11 are just a few.

But there are other, less famous events that had an equally profound impact. Notable conservative historian Larry Schweikart takes an in- depth look at seven of these transformative moments and provides an analysis of how each of them spurred a trend that either confirmed or departed from the vision our Founding Fathers had for America. For instance, he shows how Martin Van Buren's creation of a national political party made it possible for Obama to get elected almost two centuries later and how Dwight Eisenhower's heart attack led to a war on red meat, during which the government took control over Americans' diets.

In his easy-to-read yet informative style, Schweikart will not only educate but also surprise readers into reevaluating our history.

“One of the greatest of the Founders, George Mason...urged on his countrymen the duty of frequent ‘recurrence to fundamental principles.’ I believe that is what Mr. Schweikart has in mind here: recurrence while there’s time. Based on the evidence he lays before us, we'd better not stand there, daydreaming.”
—The Washington Times

“Schweikart has a powerful understanding of what might otherwise be overlooked aspects of history, and makes them relevant to the modern reader.”
—Intellectual Conservative