The period of reconstruction, 1863-1877, was the attempt of a war torn nation to heal itself after the end of the Civil War. Civil Rights legislation was passed, but in reality very little was accomplished. The Gilded Age which followed was a period of excess for a new class of wealthy industrialists. A new political philosophy was born with the dawn of the Progressive Era, when there were political, social and economic reforms, as well as the modernization of many areas of government. The United States emerged as a world power, influencing foreign affairs from Europe to Asia. Our entry into WWI was the biggest foreign committment that the nation had yet made, and 4 million Americans participated in the conflict.
Andrew Johnson taking the oath of office in the small parlor of the Kirkwood House [Hotel], Washington, [April 15, 1865]
Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper
(Library of Congress)
This Research Guide was originally created by Professor Emeritus Sandra Roff, previously Archivist of Baruch College.
