4 Brilliant Books About the Reconstruction Era
Between the years 1865-1877, there was a major revolutionary change in the United States of America. It led to the historical equity of civil rights amongst citizens. It was around this time that Congress abolished slavery of the black people by granting them equal rights as any other white citizen. This period is popularly known as the Reconstruction Era.
This Era is a defining period in American history following the civil war that lasted for 5 years before the change. The knowledge of this reconstruction is crucial for every student at any academic level. This is why schools assign tasks for their students to provide essay samples of the topic. So, what is the Reconstruction Era essay and why is it important for the students? Such essays help students learn more about the history and the civil war. Students can access a huge database of free essay examples online where they can find all the info they need to know about that period.
Not only did this period finalize the abolishment of black slavery, but it also brought about equal rights to work. Where African men and women are now free to join workforces that weren’t approved of them before. Do you now see why this knowledge is important? In case you need a book on reconstruction, follow this article as we’ll be introducing you to the 4 best books on reconstruction. Let’s go!
Liberty and Union By David Herbert Donald
This is probably one of the best books about the American south and north similarities describing the antebellum and postbellum eras. One of the most violent periods in American history was during the civil war. And aiming for resolution after the war, the reconstruction calmed the turmoil and misconception.
In this book, David Herbert experiments on the differences and similarities between the north and south at that period. He displayed every detail of how the chaotics in politics rival that of war. David also dived further by using philosophical analysis to explain the events of the era and questioning provocative topics. One of which is How democratic societies can reconcile minority rights with majority rules.
Up From Slavery By Booker T. Washington
Up from slavery is another prolific book about reconstruction written by Booker T Washington. From his African-American perspective, he explained how the evolution of the movement made southern lawmakers make amendments. How they sought African American citizens’ civil rights by granting them passes to pursue economic gains, education, and liberty.
Washington wrote this as an autobiography of how the reconstruction shaped his life. He was born into slavery on a tobacco farm where his family had no hope due to the slavery and rights limitations of the black. Washington shared how he broke through from an ordinary slave seeking education to eventually becoming an educator himself.
The Third Edition of “Reconstruction After The Civil War” By John Hope Franklin
John Hope Franklin is another writer amongst top African American experts at reconstruction era history. He’s also the former president of the organization of American historians and the presidential medal of freedom recipient. By carefully evaluating the movement, he disregards misinterpretations to explore the civil rights of former slaves in southern states.
In addition, Franklin also talked about the relationship of these states’ legislation to the North sides. By comparing and giving realistic political ideology, Franklin used the third edition to explain the new waves of his research. Since he wrote the first edition in 1961, the third edition is just the newly revised scholarly research of reconstruction and its modern-day effects.
Splendid Failure: Post-war Reconstruction in the American South By Michael W, Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald created an open argument of why many reconstruction programs were overthrown and how it has affected society. His argument stated how the south sentiments during these times tackled financial misconceptions and impractical policies. And how it led to the perception of racism throughout the nation.
Fitzgerald’s Splendid Failure describes the reconstruction era in a pessimistic view explaining how it led to the chaotic perception of racism. Immediately the black lives matter movement rose, almost every college gave a second thought at Fitzgerald’s thought and its effect. This is one of the reasons students must have a solid knowledge of the story of reconstruction.
Conclusion
The reconstruction era was a significant period that contributed to the historical chapter of equal civil rights following the civil war. It also refers to the attempt to transform the former 11 confederate states and the role of the union state during this time.
Schools, especially universities prioritize this topic and assign tasks to students for research on reconstruction. That’s why we have provided you with these four brilliant books about the reconstruction era.
