During Reconstruction; former abolitionists in the North had a golden opportunity to pursue true racial justice and permanent reform in America. But why; after the sacrifice made by thousands of Civil War patriots to arrive at this juncture; did the moment slip away; leaving many whites throughout the North and South more racist than before? Edward J. Blum takes a fresh look at this question in Reforging the White Republic: Race; Religion; and American Nationalism; 1865-1898; where he focuses on the vital role that religion played in reunifying northern and southern whites into a racially segregated society. He tells the fascinating story of how northern Protestantism; once the catalyst for racial egalitarianism; promoted the image of a "white republic" that conflated whiteness; godliness; and nationalism. A blend of history and social science; Reforging the White Republic offers a surprising perspective on the forces of religion as well as nationalism and imperialism at a critical point in American history.
#690552 in Books Louisiana State University Press 2000-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.06 x .52 x 6.03l; .73 #File Name: 0807126004208 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Solid book on many of the causes of the Civil WarBy william birdA challenge to Heart and soul. A good reflection of our current religious and social crisis. We Americans have been fighting Slavery and Slavish Religion since 1733 ( when the Southern Baptists took their slaves and families and left Kittery Point ; Maine in the hands of the American Baptist Convention; which became a Liberal Baptist Congregation and engaged in the Social Gospel of the 1940s through current). Even though churches are not mentioned excessively Names like Beecher and other Anti- slave folks are given honest press.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy DjlAn incredibly important book from one of the nation's best scholars.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. fascinating and convincingBy CustomerWell; maybe I didn't need much convincing; but this book lays it all out; step by step you'll see why some people believed there was a conspiracy.Well written; interesting; well organzed. A book to re-read.
