The End of Reconstruction and Its Legacies to Our Time - Class 22

Explore a thought-provoking lecture from Yale University's DeVane Lecture Series examining the complex question of when Reconstruction truly ended and its lasting impact on American society. Delve into Professor David Blight's analysis of how racial slavery shaped American institutions and continues to influence modern society. Learn about pivotal moments in American history that challenged the foundations of democracy, pluralism, and constitutional governance. Examine the specific connections between slavery and Yale University, the Civil War's profound impact, and the various legacies - political, constitutional, racial, economic, and commemorative - that continue to shape American life. Understand how historical patterns of inequality and racial dynamics persist, while considering their implications for contemporary society and future developments through 2024 and beyond. Part of a comprehensive series investigating the question "Can it happen here?" in relation to systemic inequality and threats to democratic institutions.