Why was 1890 a watershed year for America?

You need to begin by defining "watershed year" then look
at what was happening in the United States of America prior to 1890 compared with what
was happening during 1890 and subsequent years.

According
to dictionary.com, the fourth definition of watershed is defined as "an important point
of division or transition between two phases, conditions,
etc."

1890 is the the point of division between two phases
in this country's history.  Prior to 1890, the country had been through the Civil War
and Reconstruction periods.  The country was expanding within and was trying hard to
stay out of international events.  It was in the midst of an industrial revolution and
growing economically.

1890 began a period of international
growth. We gained new colonies and territories. Our navigational abilities improved. 
People like Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Cabot Lodge, and Alfred Thayer Mahan wanted to
show other countries that we were a world power.