Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and ReconstructionThe importance of the Civil War and Reconstruction in the history of the United States cannot be overstated. There was a very real possibility that the union could have been sundered, resulting in a very different American history, and probably, world history. But the union was held together by tough and determined leaders and by the economic muscle of the North. While not always a period to be proud of, it did have higher goals and compelling ends. This one-volume dictionary, with more than 800 entries covering the significant events, persons, politics, and economic and social themes in the U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, is a research tool for all levels of readers from high school and up. The extensive chronology, introductory essay, dictionary entries, and comprehensive bibliography introduce and lead the reader through the military and non-military actions of one of the most pivotal events in American history. Substantial coverage is given to the time that followed the Civil War: Reconstruction. This was a period construed in many different ways by the individuals involved, many of whom had little concern for the impact of their acts on others, and even fewer who were interested in the plight of the newly enfranchised blacks, for whom the war had supposedly been fought. While the states were once again 'united,' many of the postwar efforts divided different segments of the population and failed to achieve their goals in an era too often remembered for carpetbaggers and scalawags, and Congressional imbroglios and incompetent government. No matter how one looks at it, the Civil War continues to affect the politics, constitutionalism, and societal norms of the United States in an irrevocable way, and it probably always will. It was a very personal war, not fought by machines, but by men, affecting countless Americans who have one or more Civil War veterans hidden in their family trees. It's a war modern enough to be relevant to today's military interests, yet gentlemanly enough to be the last of the great romantic wars. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 74
Page xvii
... Robert E. Lee. 2 December After a trial, Virginia hanged John Brown for committing treason against the state. 1860 27 February Lincoln's Cooper Union address introduced him to the eastern voters in the North. 23 April—3 May Democratic ...
... Robert E. Lee. 2 December After a trial, Virginia hanged John Brown for committing treason against the state. 1860 27 February Lincoln's Cooper Union address introduced him to the eastern voters in the North. 23 April—3 May Democratic ...
Page xviii
... Robert Anderson appointed to command U.S. garrison at Charleston. 18 November Georgia state legislature voted to raise $1 million to arm the state. 1 December Florida state legislature met to consider questions of Union. 4 December ...
... Robert Anderson appointed to command U.S. garrison at Charleston. 18 November Georgia state legislature voted to raise $1 million to arm the state. 1 December Florida state legislature met to consider questions of Union. 4 December ...
Page xx
William L. Richter. Sumter; Maj. Robert Anderson refused. 12 April Confederates fired upon Ft. Sumter; Ft. Pickens at Pensacola reinforced without incident. 13 April Maj. Robert Anderson surrendered Ft. Sumter to the Confederacy. 14 ...
William L. Richter. Sumter; Maj. Robert Anderson refused. 12 April Confederates fired upon Ft. Sumter; Ft. Pickens at Pensacola reinforced without incident. 13 April Maj. Robert Anderson surrendered Ft. Sumter to the Confederacy. 14 ...
Page xxii
... Robert E. Lee sent to command the south Atlantic coast. 6 November Confederate election of 1861 selected a permanent government and Congress. 7 November Reconstruction began in the Confederate South with a Union invasion of the South ...
... Robert E. Lee sent to command the south Atlantic coast. 6 November Confederate election of 1861 selected a permanent government and Congress. 7 November Reconstruction began in the Confederate South with a Union invasion of the South ...
Page xlii
... Robert M. Patton inaugurated governor of Alabama. 15 December Alabama legislature enacted the Black Code. 18 December Thirteenth Amendment ratified. 20 December Louisiana legislature enacted the Black Code. 21 December South Carolina ...
... Robert M. Patton inaugurated governor of Alabama. 15 December Alabama legislature enacted the Black Code. 18 December Thirteenth Amendment ratified. 20 December Louisiana legislature enacted the Black Code. 21 December South Carolina ...
Contents
Select Bibliography | 669 |
Documents Related tothe Civil War and Reconstruction | 873 |
About the Author | 915 |
Other editions - View all
Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction William Lee Richter No preview available - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
Abraham Lincoln African Americans Amendment American Andrew appointed army attack Battle became began Bureau called Campaign caused cavalry City Civil Civil War command Compromise Confederacy Confederate Congress Constitution convention Davis defeated Democrats Douglas election federal force George Georgia governor Grant Henry History House Illustrated issue Jackson James John Johnson Journal July June land later legislature Lincoln lost Louisiana March McClellan military Mississippi Missouri moved North Carolina Northern Party passed person political position President qq.v Radical Rebel received Reconstruction refused Republican returned Richmond River Robert secession Second secretary Senate sent served Sherman side slavery slaves soldiers South Southern Tennessee term territories Texas Thomas tion took troops turned Union United University Press Virginia vote Washington West Whig whole Yankees York