Pivotal Moments That Shaped America: History of the U.S. From the Boston Tea Party to the War on Terror by Tony Valerino is one of the books I selected to review for February 2026. Valerino is an author and historical blogger. This is his second book.
History encompasses everything we do - our hopes, dreams, struggles, triumphs, and disgraces.
It records important discoveries in mathematics, science, industry, medicine, and more. History covers wars, peace time negotiations, and treaties, and most importantly, it reveals how we treat each other and our planet.
Valerino was tasked with sifting through our “everything” and presenting the most significant events honestly. The history of the United States isn’t always pretty or noble, but it must be recorded accurately without revisions or a specific agenda. He chose to begin with The Boston Tea Party because it is a significant starting point leading up to the war for American Independence from England.
The study of history is subjective. It’s impossible not to have an opinion about our founding fathers and the society they endeavored to create with the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers.
How can we read about the Trail of Tears and the treatment of American Indians as our government pushed its way westward and not have an opinion? How do we justify or excuse hundreds of years of enslaving Africans and African Americans while profiting from their labor? What does it say about the state governments whose leaders willingly committed treason to preserve slavery? Why did we allow states to enact Jim Crow laws?
Why are we still struggling to protect civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution? Why did we allow Japanese and Japanese Americans to be sent to interments camps during World War II? So many questions beg for answers.
Valerino discusses the intentions of our founding fathers, and the realities of what they achieved in comparison to other nations and other political philosophies. Their decisions were often based on their mistrust of unchecked power and their understanding of the strengths and frailties of human nature. He reminds us that American history cannot be studied in a vacuum. It is influenced by past events, innovations, future needs, and world events. He also includes public perceptions at the time and
Instead of listing dates and events, he demonstrates how history is composed of both finite and infinite moments. For example, on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus to a White man. Mrs. Parks’ decision triggered the Montgomery bus boycott one of the most significant events in the Civil Rights movement. She was one of many Black Americans who had been arrested for asserting their right to be treated equally. On that day, however; Mrs. Parks’ decision helped solidify a movement responsible for the expansion of civil rights for African Americans and all people of color. It also thrust Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. into a leadership position in the Civil Rights movement. Because of Mrs. Parks’ courage that day, and the resistance movement it helped fuel, anyone using public transportation in the United states, can choose their seat without fear of being forced to surrender it.
Valerino tackles difficult subjects such as the Aliens and Sedition Acts, American Exceptionalism, The Monroe Doctrine, the Trail of Tears, and the American Civil War. He also features individuals. Some are famous historical figures. Others are lesser known but equally deserving.
Call me a history geek, but I enjoy learning about our unsung heroes such as Louis F. Post and Ella Baker. Valerino highlights the contributions of many Americans whose names aren’t featured in traditional history books.
The author’s storytelling abilities set this book apart from so many other books on historical events. He entertains us with portraits of historical figures, often mentioning their personal struggles or conflicts with peers. He doesn’t sugarcoat their mistakes or exaggerate their accomplishments. That’s rare in today’s political climate.
The events included have been carefully researched and sources are cited in a comprehensive bibliography. If you want to know more about the history of the United States, and you enjoy reading great stories, this is the book for you.
Works by Tony Valerino:
Civilizations of the Ancient World - https://a.co/d/e65mKDD
Pivotal Moments That Shaped America - https://a.co/d/g6qjSrw
Facebook blog – Pivotal Historical Moments fan https://www.facebook.com/share/1FNLF42a8K/?mibextid=wwXIfr