Summary

Characterized by the tragedy of the Civil War and its aftermath, the period of 1860 to 1876 presented the greatest challenge to a still young national government. The battle to abolish slavery and reform the country after the secession of 11 Southern states was led by Abraham Lincoln. Throughout this turmoil, a burgeoning industrial economy—made possible largely by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869—began to transform the American economy and society just as profoundly as the effects of the war.

Offering students a fascinating glimpse into this period in history, The Civil War and Reconstruction is written in an easy-to-read narrative format and is enhanced by helpful further reading lists and black-and-white illustrations.

Specifications

Black-and-white photographs and illustrations. Maps. Index. Further reading lists. Box features.

About the Author(s)

General editor Rodney P. Carlisle earned his B.A. in history from Harvard and both his M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of California in Berkeley. He is a former chair of the history department at Rutgers University in Camden, where he taught for more than 30 years, specializing in 20th-century history. Carlisle is now professor emeritus there. He has written and edited many articles and more than 10 books on history, including The Thirties in Facts On File’s Day by Day series.