Reconstruction and the Rise of Jim Crow: 1864-1896

Drama of American History

by Christopher Collier

History is dramatic -- and the renowned, award-winning authors Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier demonstrate this in this compelling series aimed at young readers. Covering American history from the founding of Jamestown through present day, these volumes explore far beyond the dates and events of a historical chronicle to present a moving illumination of the ideas, opinions, attitudes and tribulations that led to the birth of this great nation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Politics, Race, American History, Government

Audible Audio

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Short history of Reconstruction and Jim Crow.

I am a fan of the idea of concise introductory books about big topics that give enough information and context to a subject but do not overwhelm the idea. Several publishers have books like these. For example, the Oxford Very Short Introduction series has over 300 books, including the excellent Very Short Introduction to Protestantism and the awful Very Short Introduction to the Bible or African History. In addition, Christian publishers have the Armchair Theologian series, which I think is equally mixed, on Niebuhr Brothers, John Knox, Aquinas, and John Calvin. The Drama of American History is a similar project with books that are about 100 pages.

I have previously read Eric Foner's book on the three constitutional amendments that occurred during reconstruction and his more extended overall history of reconstruction and David Blight's book on the historical memory of the Civil War in the 50 years after. But the movement into Jim Crow is something I have less background on. One of the problems of a short book on a subject area is that it tends to rely on the easy-to-tell story, not the nuanced, more difficult to explain aspects that tend to be less well known. The standard history of reconstruction is a "Lost Cause" narrative. Except for WEB DuBois' work on reconstruction, the common historical narrative is that it was a failure because of northern incompetence, the poor work ethic and education of the formerly enslaved, and the corruption of carpetbaggers and scallywags. There are still some threads of the Lost Cause in this book, although it is also trying to tell a more accurate story.

The problem with a short book is that there is only so much room in a hundred pages. The book does include the problems of a lack of education for the formerly enslaved and the corruption of Grant's administration. It also speaks of the rise of the KKK and political terrorism, the lack of political will (as well as the concern about the constitutionality of federal supervision of state perversion of justice). But in a book that primarily focuses on political history, there is a limit to exploring the issues of white superiority within both the North and South, the Democrat and the Republican/Unionist parties. For example, many Northerners favored a number of the Black Codes that stripped Black citizen's rights, allowed for unjust arrest and re-enslavement through the penal system or through forced adoption or apprenticeship programs, and voting restrictions that also applied to both Black and poor White citizens.

There was discussion of political violence, but not enough. And there was discussion about the corruption of justice systems, the lack of funding for education, the to-short political will at the end of the Civil War, and the problems of federal enforcement of the new constitutional amendments. But in many ways, the very nature of a short book on this topic means that even when it isn't trying to support Lost Cause narratives, the lack of more extensive context means that the book isn't doing enough to counter the white-centered story narrative of the Lost Cause.

Looking at reconstruction from the formerly enslaved perspective, it makes sense that Black families did not want women working in fields under white field supervisors that could routinely and, without any consequence, rape black women. It made sense that Black farmers wanted to grow subsistence crops to feed their families instead of cash crops that could only be sold to systems controlled by the plantation owner who still believed in and acted upon their white supremacy. And the justice system that could be corrupted to arrest (or lynch) anyone that started to become independent from traditional white-controlled mercantile systems was not a real justice system.

Reconstruction is a complicated story. There are many reasons why it failed to fully incorporate the Black population of the US as full citizens. But the primary blame needs to be correctly pointed to a racist President Johnson, a corrupt administration of President Grant and Grant's lack of investment in protecting Black citizenship rights, the state's rights orientation of the political philosophy at the time, and the pressure to quickly re-incorporate the former Confederacy back into the US. There were also problems with abuses of the Freedman's Bureau being run as an arm of the US military. And corruption was a widespread problem at the time. But the story has to be told in a more complicated and nuanced way to get at the problems of how the story has most often been presented over the past 150 years.

[Emma Kirchhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fine overview of Reconstruction, especially considering how short it is. While not entirely in the “reconstruction was bad because the North overstepped its boundaries” camp, Collier seems to be very invested in directing attention to what some of the less racist white men did during reconstruction. Focusing so much on reconstruction from the perspective of the Northern Radical Republicans and failing to mention black politicians stepping into office during this period makes this feel incomplete. Highlighting achievements won by black politicians during the period of Reconstruction and contrasting it with these positions being taken back by white men during Redemption would have offered a more complete picture and would have made this title feel less like reinforcing the way we teach white history and black history separately.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief but enlightening history of the Reconstruction era that followed the American Civil War. Well intended as those early efforts at integration were, they ultimately gave way to the rise of Jim Crow. Tragic.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a concise history giving the main depressing points about Reconstruction and it’s failure to bring equality or reparations for freed slaves. It would be good as a reference if you were going on Jeopardy!

[Arasibo Campeche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and interesting. Great read.

[Jason Holliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read (listened) to every audio book my local / digital library has to offer in this series. There are a few more in the series not offered by my local digital library but I think the six or so that I read were a great selection. I listened to them via the new libby app now being used by libraries. I think it may replace the older app called overdrive but it's still available. I would encourage people to visit and support your local library even if just for the digital content (ebooks/audiobooks) available through mobile apps. Your local library is still relevant in today's digital world and most likely offers traditional book checkouts as well as online digital content and most likely free. Sorry to inject that PSA in a book review but I find it shocking how many avid readers don't think about utilizing this great resource.

Now for the rest of the review on this history series. The series targets young readers maybe middle/high school level but I have a graduate degree and listened to/read many college level history books and lectures since I have graduated. I'm by no means an expert in history or English or anything for that matter but to me there are only very subtle differences in this content compared to higher level college books and lectures and one would have to look deep to recognize them. In other words, my opinion is adults regardless of education level can read this material and be entertained and educated without worry.

I'm nearly 50 and I appreciate the modern approach most content on American history adopts. I feel like most (my use of the word most here means content that has been somwhat vetted and that I think is generally accepted by the mainstream. It is a very non-scientific use of the word "most." For all I know there may be more radical or racist literature out there but I haven't seen it or sought it out. In other words, take that word and all other words in this review with a grain of salt. A healthy dose of skepticism is always good. But hopefully you already know that. I think kids should learn that at a very young age.) of it attempts to be much more of an accurate and fair analysis of what happened and why compared to the version I may have learned in high school. I understand there is still widespread disagreement on how accurate and fair the current content may be but I think now more than in the past a broader range of factors are taken into account. I try to read content from various perspectives so I can begin to see a more complete picture from all or as many angles as possible. For instance I've read books like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. While no one book or lecture paints a universal picture that is fair from all angles and perspectives I think with many books and lectures it begins to give one a better chance to adopt a more informed and hopefully in some way resulting in a more accurate, fair, and sensitive opinion.

I say all of this because it is relevant to the historical series review and I'll end with my final opinion and conclusion. The Collier series is a quality and concise presentation on American history which itself isn't currently and never will be perfect. To me the series does an acceptable job of balancing what may be considered the two prevailing schools of thought on American history. I'm purposely not applying a label to those but if you read or listen to this part of the series you will likely recognize them. In the book it is still largely the American two party political system but an early form with somewhat roles reversed from today. But even then I don't think all of it can be simplified down to two political parties because there are groups outside the parties who wouldn't fit neatly in the old or new party system. This is due to many circumstances occurring during reconstruction with many groups in the north and south driven by many various forces impacting them directly. Anyway, I'm being a little vague so you can read the material and form your own conclusions.

[Sir Badgerly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t feel like the author knew his stuff all that well. Then again, it was a lot of material to cover in a small amount of space. I personally need more detailed accounts than this. That said it was not a waste of time. One thing I don’t understand is why freed slaves were not given federal land instead of the idea of taking Southerner’s private land, which was due to fail. In fact, right now how much land does the Federal Government own? Why not give those struggling p federal land to sustain themselves on instead of endless handouts? Let people become self sufficient not dependent on the rotten government tit. A ‘distributist’ idea, not socialist. What is the point of unused government land? It is by right the people’s land. Just an idea, it could be more complicated..

[George Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm familiar with the work of the Collier brothers from their excellent historical novels for young people, which are so well-written that they are very appealing to adults as well. The discovery of their series of volumes on American history, which focus on the main ideas and elide some of the details, has been a delightful find. Returning to the post-Civil War failure of Reconstruction amid Southern intransigence sheds light on modern America, and is not unlike the big lie being perpetrated by Trumpists claiming that he won an election he lost by 7 million votes. And the cry of "states' rights" is ever useful for those who oppose recognition of "civil rights."

[Porter Broyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I like to read as a referesher.

The Reconstruction and Jim Crow Eras are in my wheel house and I often read books about specific events that occurred during those periods.

Sometimes it is helpful to pick up an introduction on the subject, which this book is, and read it to reset my understanding and help to put other books into context.

When reading this type of introduction, I'm not reading the book and reflecting upon any novel insight the book provides, but I'm connecting the strings from other books and how those events intertwined with the overarching story.

To that extent, I enjoyed this book.

[Scott Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) (2.5 Stars) This relatively short work offers insight into the rise of Reconstruction and how the nation went from the end of the Civil War to the rise of segregation and Jim Crow. It offers key details, names and actions. Mainly a surface level overview, it would be a refresher or introduction to a key aspect of US History that still resonates today, 150+ years later. Should tigger some additional desire to read more about this vital time. The narrator does not add or detract from the material.

[Kiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise survey of the political chaos following the American civil war. Lincoln’s assassination left his anti aristocratic and southern VP in charge of overseeing the putting back together of the USA. Vast social and political complexities and varied public sentiments morphed into compromises and a segregation that, while not slavery nor war, were at times closer to it than to real freedom or peace. One is left to wonder at how far we’ve come, and yet still to go. 2 hours or 93 pages of the shadowy aftermath of America’s darkest days.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing. This is essentially a modern textbook lesson for teaching the Reconstruction to high school & college students. I'm just heartened to know that the current generations will receive a more balanced, comprehensive, and factually correct then the scant biased version I received in the 1970s.

[Danica is Booked · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good primer. It’s a brief look into this period of time. It does a good job briefly explaining what happened, but is not a deep-dive.

I agree with some that at times it seemed to take some problematic takes I’d like to see us leave behind.

But I’m a fan of books organized by topics and introduction to the time.

[John Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short overview of the Reconstruction. Served as a good refresher, but definitely not what you want to read if you want a deep dive on the Reconstruction. Think of it as a Cliffs Notes version of the Reconstruction period.

[Thomas Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise and pungent, Christopher Collier gives an account of a grossly understudied era in American History, Reconstruction. Accurate and void of opinion, Collier simply lays the period bare showing the disturbing elements of American society that continue even today.

[Omar S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fine short read. However, if you already have a basic knowledge of the time period, there is likely little new that you would take away.

However, if you are looking for a quick run through of some of the major issues/happenings of the time, it is worthwhile.

[Shavon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice overview that can provide context before the reader delves into more detailed reconstruction readings. Easy read finished in 1 day.

[SueAnn Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read on the subject of Southern Reconstruction in America. Although it's filed in the juvenile section at the library, it is well worth the read for adults as well.

[Cece Rotimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and provided great information.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to it in less than a day. Short and gets the gist across!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this is middle/high school reading, but it's an easy way to get the facts without being overwhelmed. I will read more.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief synopsis of the history of reconstruction after the civil war. Seems well done and to the point of explaining the main reasons and highlights of this period.

[Marcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very brief overview of reconstruction.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick 2 hour listen. A history lesson from an expert, and well done. This is part of a series, and I look forward to hearing more.

[Jennifer Hullinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short, but definitely informative.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent for its precision, it gets right to the point without superfluous details.
If you want to quickly learn about Reconstruction and the Jim Crow south, here’s your book!

[Michael Delaware · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to the Reconstruction period. It hits some of the high points.

[isha sarafina ‎♡ ⁺‧₊˚ ୭]

no rating because idk how to properly rate non-fiction. it was a good primer and refresher from what i had learned before.

[Angela Stubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short summary of what was going on during reconstruction. It would have been more informative if black politicians were mentioned as well as more detail on Afro Americans in their struggles to vote

[Amanda Esthelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a few things, and solidified what I already knew which is always good