LeeAnna Keith

Excellent microhistory that is well-researched. Easter Sunday, 1873 "more than 150 members of an all-black Republican militia were mercilessly slaughtered by white supremacists". Nothing was done. This event was the beginning of the Jim Crow era. A must read.

A sad set of events leads to the death of 150 of black men by the ex-Confederates of Louisiana. This horrible act in April 1873 leads to a cover-up. It is the basis of the remaining Segregationalist legislation in Louisiana. The failure of Reconstruction is illuminated by LeeAnna Keith's work. Plainly, but clearly written.

When it Was Grand by LeeAnna Keith predates the origins of the Republican Party by discussing Kansas -Nebraska the early anti-slavery movement and politics and John Brown.

The book continues to evolve with the development of the Republican Party, the Dred Scott decision and attempts to undermine it in the North. The evolution of the Republican Party is composed of old Whigs, conservative anti-slavery Democrats, and other anti slavery conservative elements,formed by some including Salmon show more Chase, William Seward, and Abraham Lincoln.

The book continues to discuss the war years, Radical Republicans and the political development of the anti-slavery movement both politically and socially.

An interesting book on an undeveloped aspects of the war years and both moderate and radical Republicans. I would recommend the brief book on a focused subject. show less

This book told of the account of the racal incident in Colfax, LA where 13 white men and 150 negros were killed. It was extremely difficult reading not just because of the topic but the writing as well. Hard to follow and at times a bit too detailed.