Foner, Eric. A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863 – 1877. New York: Harper and Row, 1990.

Summary
This book, an abridged version of ''Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877, ''examines the contentious legacy of the Reconstruction Era. Foner argues that nonrevolutionary character and conservatism of the period is incorrect. Through this framework, The related issues of land and labor and the persistent conflict between planters’ quest to re-exert control over their labor force and blacks’ quest for economic independence, race and class became inextricably linked. Construction expanded the authority and created a new set of purposes for the federal government, including an unprecedented commitment to the ideal of a national citizenship, regardless of race. Foner argues that the expanded role of the state and its threat to local autonomy and political corruption weakened the support for Reconstruction. Taken collectively, Foner thus argues that the period was revolutionary, but ultimately was a failure''. ''The depression of the 1870s, the stagnation of world demand for cotton, the early rejection of land reform, factionalism, and corruption all contributed to its failure. Most significantly, by the 1870s, class issues replaced sectional issues, which led northern industrial bourgeoisie to establish a partnership with Southern planters, rather than black workers. The shift in political concerns contributed to the abandonment of equal rights and the emergence of an unapologetic racism after the depression of 1873.

See also: WEB Dubois, Amy Dru Stanton, David Roedegger,