Watch Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

Reconstruction: America After the Civil War is a four-part documentary series created by PBS in 2019. The show, hosted by renowned historian and Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr, explores the aftermath of the Civil War and the period of Reconstruction that followed.

The series takes a deep dive into the United States during this tumultuous era, examining the social, political, and economic conditions that shaped the nation during Reconstruction. Drawing on a rich collection of primary sources, including letters, speeches, and diaries, the series offers a comprehensive overview of this pivotal moment in American history.

The first episode, titled "The Second Civil War," sets the stage for the story of Reconstruction. It begins with the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, which threw the nation into chaos. Gates examines the efforts of Lincoln's successor, Andrew Johnson, to implement his own vision of Reconstruction, which was marked by racism, violence, and oppression.

The second episode, "Making a New America," explores the ways in which African Americans sought to build new lives for themselves after the war. Despite the political and social upheaval of the period, many black Americans sought to create their own communities and institutions, often with the help of Northern philanthropists and other supporters.

The third episode, "Promise Betrayed," examines the ways in which Reconstruction was ultimately thwarted by white supremacists who sought to reassert their dominance over the South. The rise of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups, combined with the failures of the federal government to protect black citizens, led to a period of violent repression that would last for decades.

The final episode, "A New Birth of Freedom," offers a hopeful vision of the future, despite the setbacks of the Reconstruction era. The episode explores the ways in which African Americans continued to struggle for freedom and equality, even in the face of widespread racism and discrimination. It also examines the legacy of Reconstruction, and the ways in which this period of history continues to shape the United States today.

Throughout the four-part series, Henry Louis Gates Jr. provides insightful commentary and analysis, drawing on his extensive knowledge of American history and his experience as a scholar and educator. The series also features a range of expert guest commentators, including historians, writers, and activists, who offer a diverse range of perspectives on the events of the era.

Overall, Reconstruction: America After the Civil War is an engaging and informative series that sheds light on a little-discussed period of American history. Through its thoughtful and nuanced exploration of this complex era, the series offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which the legacy of slavery and racism continue to impact the United States today.

Reconstruction: America After the Civil War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between April 9, 2019 and on PBS