Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

Explore the transformative years following the American Civil War, when the nation struggled to rebuild itself in the face of profound loss, massive destruction, and revolutionary social change. The twelve years that composed the post-war Reconstruction era (1865-77) witnessed a seismic shift in the meaning and makeup of our democracy.

Overview Credits Watch Reviews Seasons Images Videos Recommendations Similar

Created By

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Status

Ended

Original Name

Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

First Air Date

April 9, 2019

Last Air Date

April 16, 2019

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

Inkwell Films McGee Media

Networks

PBS

S01E04

Part 2, Hour 2

The turn of the century is known as the ‘nadir’ of race relations, when white supremacy was ascendant and African Americans faced both physical and psychological oppression. Racist imagery saturated popular culture and Southern propaganda manipulated the story of the Civil War and Reconstruction. But African Americans found ways to fight back, using artistic expression to put forward a “New Negro.”

View Episodes