Handbook to life in America. Volume III, The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1860 to 1876

This title takes a thorough look at the Civil War and Reconstruction - from the family life ate to favorite pastimes. Characterized by the tragedy of the Civil War and its aftermath, the period of 1860 to 1876 presented the greatest challenge to a still young national government. The battle to abolish slavery and reform the country after the secession of 11 Southern states was led by Abraham Lincoln. Throughout this turmoil, a burgeoning industrial economy - made possible largely by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 - began to transform the American economy and society just as profoundly as the effects of the war. Offering readers a fascinating glimpse into this period in history, "The Civil War and Reconstruction" is written in an easy-to-read narrative format enhanced by helpful further reading lists and black-and-white illustrations. Coverage of this title includes: cities and urban life; education; family and daily life; material culture; population trends and migration; rural life; social attitudes; and, more. 'Dominated by the tragedy of the Civil War and its aftermath, the period from 1860 to 1876 presented for the United States the greatest challenge to a still young nation. The struggle to unite the country after the secession of 11 Southern states, and in the course, to abolish slavery, was led by Abraham Lincoln. Throughout this tumultuous period, a burgeoning industrial economy, made possible largely by the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, began to transform America's economy and society just as profoundly as the war.'--p.[4] of cover. "Dominated by the tragedy of the Civil War and its aftermath, the period from 1860 to 1876 presented for the United States the greatest challenge to a still young nation. The struggle to unite the country after the secession of 11 Southern states, and in the course, to abolish slavery, was led by Abraham Lincoln. Throughout this tumultuous period, a burgeoning industrial economy, made possible largely by the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, began to transform America's economy and society just as profoundly as the war."--Page 4 of cover v. 1. The colonial and revolutionary eras, beginnings to 1783 v. 2. The early national period and expansion, 1783-1859 v. 3. The Civil War and Reconstruction v. 4. The Gilded Age, 1870-1900 v. 5. The Progressive era and World War I, 1890-1920 v. 6. The roaring twenties, 1920-1929 v. 7. The Great Depression and World War II, 1929-1949 v. 8. Postwar America, 1950-1969 v. 9. Contemporary America, 1970-present. Presents an overview of the social, political, and technological changes in the United States during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, including military advances, the advent of photography, and the transcontinental railroad. Presents an overview of the social, political, and technological changes in the United States from the 1970s to the present, including the end of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. An introduction to the social history of America, including family and daily life, social attitudes, entertainment, and education