Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction
By (author) William L. Richter
Not available to order
Publication date:
01 December 2011Length of book:
1056 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810879591
The importance of the Civil War and Reconstruction in the history of the United States cannot be overstated. Many historians regard the Civil War as the defining event in American history. At stake was not only freedom for 3.5 million slaves but also survival of the relatively new American experiment in self-government. A very real possibility existed that the union could have been severed, but a collection of determined leaders and soldiers proved their willingness to fight for the survival of what Abraham Lincoln called "the last best hope on earth."
The second edition of this highly readable, one-volume Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction looks to place the war in its historical context. The more than 800 entries, encompassing the years 1844-1877, cover the significant events, persons, politics, and economic and social themes of the Civil War and Reconstruction. An extensive chronology, introductory essay, and comprehensive bibliography supplement the cross-referenced dictionary entries to guide the reader through the military and non-military actions of one of the most pivotal events in American history. The dictionary concludes with a selection of primary documents. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The second edition of this highly readable, one-volume Historical Dictionary of the Civil War and Reconstruction looks to place the war in its historical context. The more than 800 entries, encompassing the years 1844-1877, cover the significant events, persons, politics, and economic and social themes of the Civil War and Reconstruction. An extensive chronology, introductory essay, and comprehensive bibliography supplement the cross-referenced dictionary entries to guide the reader through the military and non-military actions of one of the most pivotal events in American history. The dictionary concludes with a selection of primary documents. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Civil War and Reconstruction.
A select chronology begins this volume, followed by an introductory essay that reviews the changing historical interpretations of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Richter (The Army in Texas During Reconstruction, 1865–1870) then offers more than 800 entries, some cross-referenced, spanning 1844–77, on a wide variety of topics including politicians, legislation, notable women, battles and wars, and economics. Appendixes present documents related to the era (e.g., the constitutions of the United States and of the Confederacy). The select bibliography is arranged by topic.