The Civil War: Post-War Years (revised, 1983)

The film explores the tumultuous period following the Civil War, focusing on the challenges of reconstruction in the South. It highlights President Abraham Lincoln’s vision for a unified nation, which was shattered by his assassination and the subsequent presidency of Andrew Johnson. The film details the struggles faced by returning Southern soldiers, the plight of freedmen, and the establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau to assist those in need. It addresses the political conflicts between Congress and President Johnson, the rise of radical Republicans advocating for civil rights, and the eventual implementation of the 14th and 15th amendments. The narrative culminates in the eventual failure of radical reconstruction efforts, leading to the resurgence of conservative power in the South and the disenfranchisement of African Americans.

Keywords
Civil War, Reconstruction, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Freedmen’s Bureau, Radical Republicans, Civil Rights, 13th Amendment, 14th Amendment, 15th Amendment, Southern Economy, Black Codes, Ku Klux Klan, Sharecropping

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