"Reconstruction After the Civil War" John Hope Franklin (The University of Chicago Press, 1961)

Reconstruction After the Civil War
John Hope Franklin (1915–2009)
The University of Chicago Press
1961 (First Edition)
258pp.

Reconstruction after the Civil War explores the role of former slaves during this period in American history. Looking past popular myths and controversial scholarship, John Hope Franklin uses his astute insight and careful research to provide an accurate, comprehensive portrait of the era. His arguments concerning the brevity of the North’s occupation, the limited power wielded by former slaves, the influence of moderate southerners, the flawed constitutions of the radical state governments, and the downfall of Reconstruction remain compelling today.

Table of Contents

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 Readings
John Hope Franklin and His Reconstruction
by Michael W. Fitzgerald
Acknowledgments
Index