Franklin, John. Reconstruction After the Civil War. 2nd ed. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1961.

ix +
258. Print. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 61-15931.
Reviewed by Dillon Harden
Hopeful Reading
John Hope Franklin wrote this book to show the political battles that took place during
the reconstruction after the Civil War. Mr. Franklin felt that there were scarcely any books that
depicted what political battles took place during reconstruction. Mr. Franklin read many different
sources about the Civil War; however, most of the books he read were about the battles of
soldiers rather than the battles of politicians. This book was created more for historians than any
other genre. Before writing the book, Mr. Franklin studied tons of documents dating from this
reconstruction period. He felt very confident that he had studied these documents appropriately.
Mr. Franklins purpose was to enlighten readers that there was more to the Civil War
reconstruction than what was being published in history books. After finishing this book I
believe he did achieve his goal.
I believe John Hope Franklin was qualified to show these hardships during the
reconstruction period. In his own right Mr. Franklin was a very successful historian. Some of his
achievements included being the president of the American Studies Association during 1967 and
other highly respected positions that dealt with history and historians. In 1995, he received one
of the greatest honors a historian could receive, The Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is best
known for his book, From Slavery to Freedom.
Mr. Franklins viewpoint on reconstruction was very broad. He does not show disrespect
towards the South nor the North. His viewpoint was more towards southern government and
qualifications of blacks. Several chapters in the book such as: Reconstruction: Confederate Style,

and Reconstruction: Black and White. These chapters confirm how southern government slowly
accepts the qualifications of blacks in politics and government.
There are many points made by the author; however, there are three main points that
stood out through the chapters. These points include: how long military subjugation actually
lasted, southern government, and Congresss opposition to the president. The first major point is
the longevity of military suppression during the reconstruction. Most history textbooks describe
military suppression in the south for a longer period of time than what Mr. Franklins purposes. It
is not that the textbooks were wrong; it is just not complete on the subject. The main reason why
it is not fully complete is because the North won the Civil War; therefore, there is more
information shown about the North than the South. After the war the South had many Union
troops that were stationed in specific areas to stop a rebellion if one was to arise. Many
Southerners were angry with this aspect. The South had just suffered a terrible defeat, and with
Union troops on Southern territory only added insult to injury. History textbooks often depicted
the South as being under nonstop watch by Union troops just in case mad confederates decided
to create another uprising. Franklin