Synopses & Reviews
Ever since its original publication in 1961,
Reconstruction after the Civil War has been praised for cutting through the controversial scholarship and popular myths of the time to provide an accurate account of the role of former slaves during this period in American history.
In this edition Franklin has updated his work to acknowledge the enormous body of research and scholarship that followed in the wake of the first edition. New are Franklins references to important, later texts that enrich the original narrative. In addition, the extensive bibliography has been thoroughly revised.
What has not changed, however, is the foundation Franklin has laid. Still compelling are his arguments concerning the brevity of the Norths military occupation of the South, the limited amount of power wielded by former slaves, the influence of moderate southerners, the flaws of the constitutions drawn up by the Radical state governments, and the reasons for the downfall of Reconstruction.
Synopsis
In 1961, critics praised John Hope Franklin for cutting through the controversial scholarship and popular myths of the time to provide an accurate account of the role of former slaves during this period. Now Franklin has updated his work to acknowledge the enormous body of research and scholarship that followed in the wake of the first edition.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 225-234) and index.
About the Author
John Hope Franklin (1915–2009) was the James B. Duke Professor of History Emeritus at Duke University. He is the author of many books, including Mirror to America: The Autobiography of John Hope Franklin and Racial Inequality in America.
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Editor's Foreword
1: The Aftermath of War
2: Presidential Peacemaking
3: Reconstruction: Confederate Style
4: Confederate Reconstruction Under Fire
5: Challenge by Congress
6: The South's New Leaders
7: Constitution-making in the Radical South
8: Reconstruction - Black and White
9: Counter Reconstruction
10: Economic and Social Reconstruction
11: The Era Begins To End
12: The Aftermath of "Redemption"
Important Dates
Suggested Reading
Acknowledgments
Index