Dates in Art History

Dates seem a little confusing between the textbook and the Web sites.  The book says the National Academy of Design opened in 1826.  The Web site says the school opened in 1926, but the academy was 1925.  I guess after reading the book, I didn't realize the distinction between the school and the academy.  I kind of thought they were the same.  I …

…with poems such as William Carlos Williams (1863-1963) "The Red Wheelbarrow."  With his poem, Williams showed that a work of literature could be about words that do not necessarily insist on meaning. I learned from the book that the establishment of academies helped the American artist gain respect and notoriety.  But was there a defining painting or sculpture that made American art different?