Congress and the First Civil Rights Era, 1861-1918

Civil rights legislation was a major focus of Congress during the Civil War and Reconstruction, but as discrimination against African Americans in the South increased, advocates shifted their focus to policies that white constituents in the North wanted. This book explores the rise and fall of civil rights legislation in Congress from 1861 to 1918, showing how legal institutions can be used to liberate and protect oppressed minorities or to assert the power of the white majority.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 25 May 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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During the Civil War and Reconstruction, civil rights legislation played a significant role in Congress' agenda. However, as Reconstruction drew to a close and discrimination against African Americans in the South became prevalent, civil rights advocates in Congress began to prioritize policies that catered to the interests of white constituents in the North, who had grown weary of efforts for equality. In this comprehensive book, the first of a two-volume set, Jeffery A. Jenkins and Justin Peck delve into the rise and decline of civil rights legislation in Congress from 1861 to 1918.

The authors meticulously analyze how the Republican Party gradually withdrew its support for a meaningful civil rights agenda, as well as how Democrats and Republicans collaborated to keep civil rights off the legislative agenda at different junctures. Through their analysis, Jenkins and Peck illustrate how legal institutions can be employed to both liberate and safeguard oppressed minority groups while also serving to reinforce the power of the white majority against those same minority groups.

The book explores the complex interplay between political, social, and economic factors that shaped the legislative landscape during this period. It sheds light on the strategies employed by both parties to obstruct and advance civil rights legislation, as well as the impact of such efforts on the lives of African Americans and other marginalized communities.

The authors also examine the role of individuals and organizations, such as the NAACP, in advocating for civil rights and the challenges they faced in achieving their goals. They highlight the successes and failures of various legislative efforts, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and assess their long-term impact on the pursuit of equality in America.

Overall, this book provides a valuable and insightful examination of the history of civil rights legislation in Congress. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influenced the passage and implementation of civil rights laws, and it sheds light on the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in the United States.

\n Weight: 494g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226756363\n \n