Civil War Reconstruction Era
Discover the transformative era of post-Civil War Reconstruction as America grappled with reunification, civil rights reforms, and profound social changes.
Discover the transformative era of post-Civil War Reconstruction as America grappled with reunification, civil rights reforms, and profound social changes.
This course examines the critical but often misunderstood era of Reconstruction following the American Civil War. It focuses on the first attempt in U.S. history to build an interracial democracy. Students will explore how Reconstruction addressed issues that remain relevant today, including citizenship rights, the relationship between political and economic freedom, and the federal government's role in protecting citizens' rights. The course covers the rewriting of laws to incorporate racial equality, the achievements and failures of Southern Reconstruction governments, and the eventual consolidation of a new white supremacy system.
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What you'll learn
Understand the changing historical interpretations of the Reconstruction era
Analyze the challenges in establishing citizenship rights and equality after the Civil War
Examine the relationship between political and economic freedom in post-war America
Evaluate the role of federal and state governments in protecting citizens' rights
Explore the rewriting of laws and the Constitution to incorporate racial equality
Assess the accomplishments and failures of Reconstruction governments in the South
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
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Module Description
This course, part of the Civil War and Reconstruction XSeries, delves into the Reconstruction era (1865-1890) following the American Civil War. It examines this period as the first attempt to create an interracial democracy in the United States. The course begins by discussing the significant shift in historians' interpretations of this era over the past two generations. It then explores key issues that emerged during Reconstruction, many of which continue to resonate in contemporary American society. These include defining citizenship and citizens' rights, the relationship between political and economic freedom, the balance of power between federal and state governments in protecting rights, and governmental responses to terrorism. Students will learn about the rewriting of laws and the Constitution to incorporate racial equality, the successes and failures of Reconstruction governments in the South, the reasons for violent opposition in the South and the North's eventual retreat from Reconstruction efforts. The course concludes by examining the consolidation of a new system of white supremacy at the end of the 19th century.
Fee Structure
Instructors
6 Courses
Preeminent Historian of American Civil War and Reconstruction Era
Eric Foner, the DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, is one of the most distinguished historians in the United States. His research focuses on the intersections of intellectual, political, and social history, particularly American race relations, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Foner's prolific career includes authoring over twenty books, with notable works such as "Gateway To Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad" (2015) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery" (2010). As the only person to serve as president of all three major professional historical organizations in his field, Foner's influence extends beyond academia. He is renowned for his public engagement, including curating historical exhibitions and frequent media appearances. At Columbia, Foner teaches a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction, sharing his expertise with students and the public alike. His work has significantly shaped modern understanding of 19th century American history, cementing his status as a leading authority on this crucial period in U.S. history.
6 Courses
Graduate Student and Writer on American History and Politics
Tim Shenk is a graduate student in history at Columbia University, bringing a fresh perspective to the study of American history and politics. His academic pursuits are complemented by his work as a writer, with publications in notable outlets such as The Nation, Dissent, and Jacobin. Shenk's scholarly interests are evident in his authorship of "Maurice Dobb: Political Economist," demonstrating his engagement with economic history and political thought. At Columbia, he contributes to the instruction of a comprehensive series on the Civil War and Reconstruction era, including courses on the pivotal periods of 1850-1861, 1861-1865, and 1865-1890. This involvement in teaching underscores his developing expertise in 19th-century American history, particularly the tumultuous Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Shenk's combination of academic study, published writing, and teaching experience positions him as an emerging voice in the field of American historical scholarship.
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4.4 course rating
9 ratings
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