I'd argue the Civil War/Reconstruction is when America stopped being a Republic and started being an empire. Prior to the Civil War, the states, at least broadly, were a country because they wanted to be. Now, yes, it is true that many states joined after that period, however they gave up sovereignty in doing so. It's a one way trip, right?
im pretty sure the point of no return was when the federal reserve was created in 1913
That and the Hart-Cellar act.
Also the Civil Rights Act, which annihilated the right of association.
I'd argue the Civil War/Reconstruction is when America stopped being a Republic and started being an empire. Prior to the Civil War, the states, at least broadly, were a country because they wanted to be. Now, yes, it is true that many states joined after that period, however they gave up sovereignty in doing so. It's a one way trip, right?