Posted on Nov 18, 2023
Why the history of Reconstruction is important today
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How well do you know your history? When we say “Reconstruction,” what comes to mind?
It is most commonly known as the period of American history following the Civil War. But, like much of history, a lot can be lost in its retelling.
A new issue of The Atlantic, “To Reconstruct the Nation,” wants us to pause and think about how we look back on the events, trends, and people of that time that made it so transformative. It also examines why it is important for us to think about its connections to the present.
How should we remember Reconstruction? What parallels can we see between then and now?
We’re joined by the editor of The Atlantic’s December issue, Vann R. Newkirk II, plus two contributors. Anna Deavere Smith is an actress and playwright. Her play “This Ghost of Slavery” appears in the new issue. And Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. His essay is “Why is America Afraid of Black History?”
It is most commonly known as the period of American history following the Civil War. But, like much of history, a lot can be lost in its retelling.
A new issue of The Atlantic, “To Reconstruct the Nation,” wants us to pause and think about how we look back on the events, trends, and people of that time that made it so transformative. It also examines why it is important for us to think about its connections to the present.
How should we remember Reconstruction? What parallels can we see between then and now?
We’re joined by the editor of The Atlantic’s December issue, Vann R. Newkirk II, plus two contributors. Anna Deavere Smith is an actress and playwright. Her play “This Ghost of Slavery” appears in the new issue. And Lonnie G. Bunch III is the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian. His essay is “Why is America Afraid of Black History?”
Why the history of Reconstruction is important today
Posted from the1a.org
Black History
American History
Civil War
Reading
Posted 5 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
"Reconstruction is important because it brought new laws and constitutional amendments that permanently altered the federal system and the definition of American citizenship1. The experience of Reconstruction played out across America and resulted in changes that fundamentally altered the meaning of citizenship and the relationship between Federal and state governments2. Reconstruction is viewed more sympathetically as a revolutionary experiment in interracial democracy13. Reconstruction witnessed far-reaching changes in America’s political life3. Reconstruction addressed how the 11 seceding rebel states in the South would regain what the Constitution calls a "republican form of government" and be re-seated in Congress, the civil status of the former leaders of the Confederacy, and the constitutional and legal status of freedmen, especially their civil rights and whether they should be given the right to vote4."...
"Reconstruction is important because it brought new laws and constitutional amendments that permanently altered the federal system and the definition of American citizenship1. The experience of Reconstruction played out across America and resulted in changes that fundamentally altered the meaning of citizenship and the relationship between Federal and state governments2. Reconstruction is viewed more sympathetically as a revolutionary experiment in interracial democracy13. Reconstruction witnessed far-reaching changes in America’s political life3. Reconstruction addressed how the 11 seceding rebel states in the South would regain what the Constitution calls a "republican form of government" and be re-seated in Congress, the civil status of the former leaders of the Confederacy, and the constitutional and legal status of freedmen, especially their civil rights and whether they should be given the right to vote4."...
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