Egerton, Douglas R

Soon after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, abolitionists began to call for the creation of black regiments. At first, the South and most of the North responded with outrage?southerners promised to execute any black soldiers captured in battle, while many northerners claimed that blacks lacked the necessary courage. Meanwhile, Massachusetts, long the center of abolitionist fervor, launched one of the greatest experiments in American history.

Explores the history of the Reconstruction Era, from 1865 through 1877.

Chronicles the 1860 presidential race that elected Republican Abraham Lincoln over Democrat Stephen Douglas, discussing the events and key players, and describing how Lincoln was able win over more prominent members of his party and with a low percentage of the popular vote.