In its brief seven-year existence; the Freedmen’s Bureau became the epicenter of the debate about Reconstruction. Historians have only recently begun to focus on the Bureau’s personnel in Texas; the individual agents termed the “hearts of Reconstruction.†Specifically addressing the historiographical debates concerning the character of the Bureau and its sub-assistant commissioners (SACs); Too Great a Burden to Bear sheds new light on the work and reputation of these agents.Focusing on the agents on a personal level; author Christopher B. Bean reveals the type of man Bureau officials believed qualified to oversee the Freedpeople’s transition to freedom. This work shows that each agent; moved by his sense of fairness and ideas of citizenship; gender; and labor; represented the agency’s policy in his subdistrict. These men further ensured the former slaves’ right to an education and right of mobility; something they never had while in bondage.
#2642314 in Books 1977-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x 5.75 x .75l; #File Name: 0822933268322 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Scholarly Research Disproves the MythsBy K. GoodReview update: Since this book is now in print again; I recently purchased it and just finished re-reading it. I was again enormously impressed with what an excellent work it is. Professor Kopperman presents nothing less than the definitive work on this topic; clearly the result of thorough research and IMO a near flawless analysis of difficult (and often contradictory) source materal.Even having now passed the 250th anniversary of the Battle of the Monongehela; there is still a disturbing amount of junk-history floating around about the battle and Edward Braddock. It seems that not enough people have consulted this book and learned their subject better before they expound on it.Buy this book now while you can. Even if your interest in the topic is only moderate; the book may cause you to reflect on how strangely garbled commonly accepted history may be; when contrasted with carefully researched facts.Original review:I read this book some time ago and found it to be a tremendously helpful work in revealing a truer understanding of a hugely misunderstood and misrepresented historical figure and the events surrounding his tragic battle. As one who grew up in the region where the events happened; and having done some independant research and writing on the topic; I can attest that most of the conventional wisdom about Edward Braddock and the Battle of the Monongahela is so distorted that almost no one relates the true facts anymore (if they ever did).Kopperman dug deeply into source documents; with particular focus on contemporaneous accounts of those who were present. The author states that he was not out to necessarily rehabilitate Braddock's reputation; nor to vilify it either; but to look through the wall of legend and onto what really occurred with Braddock's expedition to Fort DuQuesne and why. By examining the best surviving evidence and contemporary documentation; including an examination of the motives behind who wrote what; a better and objective understanding can be gained.If you must read just one book on this topic; this would be the one to get.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Ronald McGlothlengood research but dated now3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Braddock disaster: an excellent account and source bookBy BomojazThis is a fascinating book and remains one of the best in presenting original source material regarding Braddock's expedition to Fort Duquesne in 1755. Kopperman begins by reconstructing the battle scene as completely as possible based on contemporary accounts; he then analyzes these accounts attempting to find holes in them. The book becomes an important exercise in trying to determine historical truth; RASHOMON-style: how accurate are the so-called eyewitnesses; and what prejudices and degrees of self-interest; not to mention the "tricks" of empirical evidence; are at play in the making of clear judgments are examined by Kopperman.An historian willing to give Braddock his due; he is somewhat dismissive of the harshest criticisms leveled against him. Rather than poor generalship; Kopperman places greater fault for the disaster at the feet of the soldiers themselves; especially their failure to follow orders. He believes if the men had massed and conducted a bayonet charge; they could (he's careful here; and refuses to say would) have routed the enemy. Some have accused Braddock of being a martinet; which Kopperman discounts. Other charges against the General include not heeding advice from subordinates; showing contempt for the Indians and Americans taking part in the expedition; and being an ineffectual leader of men and poor military tactician - charges that Kopperman carefully examines but finds wanting (sometimes he seems TOO willing to give Braddock the benefit of the doubt).In the second half of the book he records both British and French accounts of the battle and critiques each one. Again he tries to determine the accuracy of these accounts and to call attention to what he considers mere conjecture or clear errors. It's good having these reports; some of them never before printed; where the reader can evaluate for herself their importance as well as seeing Kopperman's viewpoints. Also included are maps drawn by eyewitnesses at the battle; and a map of the battle site today. The book is an excellent one; a must-read account of the Braddock disaster in western Pennsylvania.
