Why Does the Civil War and Reconstruction Have a Hold on American Historical Imagination? - Class 1

Explore the enduring impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction on American historical imagination in this introductory lecture from Yale University's DeVane Lecture Series. Delve into the central theme of racial slavery in American history and its lasting legacies. Examine how this pivotal era continues to inform current divisions and shape contemporary American society. Investigate the question "Can it happen here?" in relation to slavery, enduring inequalities, and the challenges facing pluralistic democracy. Analyze the connections between slavery and Yale University, and explore the political, constitutional, racial, economic, and commemorative legacies of the Civil War period. Gain insights into how these historical events continue to influence American life and governance in this thought-provoking 53-minute lecture.