Retreat from Reconstruction: The Grant Era and Paths to Southern Redemption - Class 21

Explore a comprehensive lecture from Yale University's DeVane Lecture Series examining the critical period of post-Civil War Reconstruction, with particular focus on President Grant's administration and the complex process of "Southern Redemption." Delve into how racial slavery shaped American institutions and its enduring impact on modern society. Learn about the retreat from Reconstruction policies, analyzing the pivotal moments that influenced the nation's approach to democracy, racial equality, and constitutional rights. Understand the historical connections between slavery and Yale University, while examining the political, constitutional, racial, and economic legacies that continue to shape American society. Gain insights into the challenges faced during the Grant era and the various paths that led to what became known as "Southern Redemption," all within the broader context of questioning whether historical patterns of systemic inequality could resurface in contemporary America.