A Short History of Reconstruction [Updated Edition]

by Eric Foner

The scholarly study of Reconstruction began early in this century with the work of William A. Dunning, John W. Burgess, and their students. The interpretation elaborated by the Dunning school may be briefly summarized as follows:

Lincoln good, Johnson Bad, Radical Republicans bad, Norther Carpetbaggers, Negro Incapacity, Start of Southern "Home Rule" myth.