Some of the Men and Measures of the War and Reconstruction Period
An address delivered in 1882 by John Conness, exploring the people, events, and debates that shaped the Civil War era and the years of Reconstruction. This edition presents a historical perspective on leaders, policies, and the conflicts that followed the conflict, offering insight into how the nation moved from slavery toward freedom and unity.
The speaker reflects on the era’s key figures, the politics of Reconstruction, and the moral questions that influenced national policy. With a focus on the Senate, the White House, and the borders of power, the talk connects personal judgments, public decisions, and lasting consequences for the republic.
- Profiles of notable leaders and the roles they played in wartime policy and postwar reconstruction
- Discussion of slavery, citizenship, and the legal and political battles that followed the war
- Accounts of clashes between Congress and the presidency, including impeachment-era tensions
- Insights into how public opinion, party politics, and statesmanship shaped the path to national unity
Ideal for readers of American history, political history, and scholars interested in the Reconstruction era.