Reconstruction: People and Perspectives

(Hardback)

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This entry in the Perspectives in Social History series examines the course and consequences of Reconstruction on the former Confederate states by focusing on the everyday people who lived through it. Reconstruction: People and Perspectives is a fascinating collection of essays and documents that illuminates the experiences of ordinary Americans across all levels of society in the southern United States during Reconstruction. Reconstruction: People and Perspectives describes in vivid detail the experiences of a diverse group of people caught up in the Civil War's aftermath in the South. Chapters focus on Civil War veterans, former slaveholders, farmers and city residents, Northerners in the South, and African American men and women (both those who stayed in the South and those who migrated). It also reports on groups similar studies often overlook, such as Native Americans and white women. Looking at Reconstruction from a social historian's point of view, this revealing work adds a much needed new voice to studies of the era.

Reviews

Any high school to college-level library strong in American history will find this an excellent blend of essays and documents charting the experiences of a wide range of ordinary Americans in the South. A top pick for any collection strong in Civil War era history. * Midwest Book Review *
An overview discusses the social, economic, and political challenges of rebuilding the South with emphasis on the lives of everyday people and a brief historiography of Reconstruction. Following that, eight essays explore topics related to Reconstruction, including the meaning of freedom for African Americans, white women's changing roles, African Americans living in Southern cities, northerners in the South, former slaveholders' and planters' places in the new society, and Native American issues. Articles contain in-text citations; black-and-white photographs, political cartoons, and reproductions; sidebars; and combined lists of references and suggestions for further reading. The 16 primary-source documents include first-person reminiscences, newspaper articles, letters, and the transcript of testimony before the Joint Select Committee to Inquire into the Condition of Affairs in the Late Insurrectionary States. It is interesting to note that all but one of the essayists teaches in the United Kingdom. The writing makes this volume best suited for advanced students. * School Library Journal *

Author Bio

James M. Campbell, Ph.D., is lecturer in American history at the University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. Rebecca J. Fraser, Ph.D., is lecturer of history in the School of American Studies at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.