America’s Reconstruction: People and Politics After the Civil War

by Eric Foner, Olivia Mahoney

One of the most misunderstood periods in American history, Reconstruction remains relevant today because its central issue -- the role of the federal government in protecting citizens' rights and promoting economic and racial justice in a heterogeneous society -- is still unresolved. America's Reconstruction examines the origins of this crucial time, explores how black and white Southerners responded to the abolition of slavery, traces the political disputes between Congress and President Andrew Johnson, and analyzes the policies of the Reconstruction governments and the reasons for their demise.
America's Reconstruction was published in conjunction with a major exhibition on the era produced by the Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia, and the Virginia Historical Society. The exhibit included a remarkable collection of engravings from Harper's Weekly, lithographs, and political cartoons, as well as objects such as sculptures, rifles, flags, quilts, and other artifacts. An important tool for deepening the experience of those who visited the exhibit, America's Reconstruction also makes this rich assemblage of information and period art available to the wider audience of people unable to see the exhibit in its host cities. A work that stands along as well as in proud accompaniment to the temporary collection, it will appeal to general readers and assist instructors of both new and seasoned students of the Civil War and its tumultuous aftermath.

Genres: American History, Civil War, History

151 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Eric Foner is DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, where he earned his B.A. and Ph.D. In his teaching and scholarship, Foner focuses on the Civil War and Reconstruction, slavery, and nineteenth-century America. His Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863–1877, won the Bancroft, Parkman, and Los Angeles Times Book prizes and remains the standard history of the period. His latest book published in 2010 is The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery.

In 2006 Foner received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching at Columbia University. He has served as president of the Organization of American Historians, the American Historical Association, and the Society of American Historians.

Reviews

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short for comprehensive view. Look to his other books for better coverage.

[AFMasten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully concise and readable. Excellent pictures and captions. Great for an undergraduate class.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a short but informative overview of the Reconstruction period after the US Civil War (roughly 1865-1877). Eric Foner is the great expert on Reconstruction, and this volume condenses the history in clear language while also providing an exemplary array of visual illustrations--lithographs, photographs, artifacts all explained. Contains also several short highlights of specific individuals. The book was complementary to an exhibit on Reconstruction that toured the country.