Publisher's Synopsis
Families, communities, and the nation itself were irretrievably altered by the Civil War and the subsequent societal transformations of the nineteenth century. The repercussions of the war incited unique problems in Appalachia, including treacherous political dynamics, racial prejudices, and the struggling regional economy. Addressing a gap in our nation's history, Andrew L. Slap's ""Reconstructing Appalachia"" explores life in Appalachia after the ravages of the Civil War. Acclaimed scholars John C. Inscoe and Ken Fones-Wolf are joined by up-and-comers like Mary Ella Engel, Anne E. Marshall, and Kyle Osborn. Featuring a broad geographic focus, these compelling essays provide an intimate portrait of Appalachia as a diverse collection of communities where place and family are of crucial importance. Highlighting racial reconciliation, tension between former Unionists and Confederates, the evolution of post - Civil War memory, and altered perceptions of race, gender, and economic status, ""Reconstructing Appalachia"" is an essential study of a unique region.
