59 pages • 1 hour read
Eric FonerThe Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution by Eric Foner explores the transformative impact of the Reconstruction amendments—the 13th, 14th, and 15th—on the U.S. Constitution, highlighting their roles in abolishing slavery, defining citizenship, and securing voting rights for Black men. Through historical analysis, Foner underscores the contemporary relevance of these amendments in the ongoing fight for equality and civil rights. The book includes references to racism, slavery, and racial violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eric Foner's The Second Founding is lauded for its thorough analysis of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, highlighting their enduring impact on American democracy. Critics praise Foner's rich historical context and lucid prose. Some find the legal discussions dense, but overall, it's deemed an essential read for understanding the Reconstruction era and its legacy.
Who Should Read The Second Founding?
Readers with an interest in post-Civil War American history, constitutional law, and civil rights will appreciate The Second Founding. Comparable to Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s Stony the Road and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, it caters to those fascinated by the Reconstruction era and the evolution of American democracy.