The ordeal of the reunion a new history of Reconstruction Summers, Mark W. (Mark Wahlgren) 1951- creator author. text bibliography History. ncu 2014 monographic eng print x, 517 pages ; 25 cm. "For a generation, scholarship on the Reconstruction era has rightly focused on the struggles of the recently enslaved for a meaningful freedom and defined its success or failure largely in those terms. Summers goes beyond this vitally important question, focusing on Reconstruction's need to form an enduring Union without sacrificing the framework of federalism and republican democracy. This book offers a fresh explanation for Reconstruction's demise and a case for its essential successes as well as its great failures. Indeed, this book demonstrates the extent to which the victors' aims in 1865 were met--and at what cost"-- Introduction -- The great unfinished task remaining before us -- When this cruel peace is over -- Restoration, 1865-1866 -- Reconstruction at last, 1865-1867 -- Bottom rail on top, 1867 -- The critical year : 1868 -- Two failed peace policies -- Conquered provinces -- Passage to India : unmanifested destiny -- On every putrid spot -- Georgia on their mind, 1870-1871 -- Corruption is the fashion -- Clasping hands over the bloody chasm -- Dead Sea fruits, 1872-1874 -- Redeemer nation -- Last full measure of defection. Mark Wahlgren Summers. Includes bibliographical references and index. n-us--- n-usu-- Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877) United States Politics and government 1865-1900 Southern States Politics and government 1865-1950 Reconstruction (United States : 1865-1877) Political science Southern States United States 1865 - 1950 fast Reconstruction E668 .S943 2014 973.8 Littlefield history of the Civil War era 9781469617572 1469617579 9781469617589 2014012355 DLC 140405 20151206124210.0 in00003494031 eng