DOC Capitol Men: The Epic Story of Reconstruction Through the Lives of the First BlackCongressmen by Philip Dray in History

Review

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful. Long Overdue!By M. A NewmanThis is the first history; to the best of my knowledge which addresses the careers of the first African American congressmen who attempted to fulfill the notion of post civil war democracy and equality as embodied by the 13th 14th and 15th Amendments. It is a study that is long overdue.Paul Lawrence Dunbar once observed that "some men are born great; others have greatness thrust upon them and others lived through the Reconstruction." (He might have added the so-called Redeemer period as well when whites disenfranchised African American citizens as well). What this book demonstrates is the exceptional nature of all of the men who represented their constituencies in the South after the Civil War until they were denied representation for nearly 80 years.This book chronicles many exceptional individuals; but perhaps my favorite is Robert Smalls. Again and again I kept asking "why have I not heard of him before?" Smalls was a war hero; who delivered the steamboat "Planter" to Union hands. Smalls managed to desegregate Philadelphia street car lines and served many years; until he was gerrymandered out of congress by whites who refused to permit African Americans the right to vote; no matter how many ways it took to undermine the law; constitution; and fundamental documents like the Declaration of Independence.Just as there are heroic seekers after freedom like Smalls; Blanche K. Bruce; Robert Brown Elliot; P.B.S. Pinchback; Hiram Revels; Alonzo Ransier; John Roy Lynch; there are also villain who people this remarkable book. Many of white Republican figures who sought to create a more equal post-Civil War south tended to fold their tents and decamp for more hospitable parts of the country when they encountered resistance (in this way they reflected the national Republican Party; increasingly less vigilant after 1876). However; it would not be a misstatement to award Ben Tillman; an unapologetic racists as the most disagreeable and evil figure in this narrative. Through his efforts; African Americans lost all political power and the United States was a poorer place.This is a wonderful book and aside from acquainting the reader with remarkable and overlooked characters from American history; it also serves to destroy the myths of the Reconstruction created by Claude Bowers and James Ford Rhodes in their mean-spirited histories. At last justice is done!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Capitol Men; Courageous MenBy Lacy TrekkerThis is the history of America that one does not learn in a classroom setting. It should be mandatory reading for every American. This is the story of what might have been; post Civil War; post Emancipation Proclamation; post slavery. A question arises almost immediately; and winds its thread throughout the entire book-----"why were the black people; who had been owned as property; far more insightful; more gracious; more optimistic about the future of the country; and more willing to work with just about any power that be; than the people who had once owned them? This question boggles the mind. These "Capitol Men" were willing to work hard; dedicate their lives; and work with a lot of negativity; and many times downright danger; in order to make this country become the true democracy it could be. Alas; smaller minds; and selfish hate-mongers intervened; to leave us instead; with all the ongoing racial problems we have to this day. One shakes one's head; and mutters to oneself; "if only".It may be too late already; but we had better wake up and smell the coffee; work together; and learn how to live in peace. Finally. Please God!This is one of the best written; readable books on the difficult issue of post Civil War America; that I have ever read. Philip Dray is absolutely phenomenal in his ability to put one in this historical setting; and telling it like it was; when this country had the opportunity to turn a very dangerous corner in the right direction.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read for EVERY AMERICAN!By Alice GiraudThis book offered a very detailed and an amazing account of the late 1800's of the Reconstruction Era and the events that preceded it. As I read this book; I felt as though I was really there. It was a real eye-opener for me. Every American should read this book and it should be a required reading for every high school and college student.