White Terror: The Ku Klux Klan Conspiracy and Southern Reconstruction by Allen W. Trelease

White Terror: The Ku Klux Klan Conspiracy and Southern Reconstruction by Allen W. Trelease
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was comprehensive look at the activities of the Klu Klux Klan right after the Civil War ended. It was born in Tennessee and spread throughout the south states. They heavily opposed Reconstruction programs of the time. They didn't have a single overall organization but were many groups obviously inspired by the original group. The midnight riders would use a policy of beatings, whippings, rape, arson, shootings and lynching. Their two main targets were recently freed slaves and Republicans. It became such an issue that Congress eventually took action in 1871. After lengthy investigations they were able to make prosecutions and convictions but were relatively small in comparison to the actual number terrorist-like activities that went on. Even so it did slow down curtail the vast majority of activities. By the time Reconstruction ended in the 1877 and the advent of the Jim Crow era of the south the need for the group dropped drastically. The KKK did have revivals first inspired by the film "Birth of a Nation" in the 1920's and then during the segregation/Civil Rights battles of the 1950's and 1960's. This is an excellent reference for those looking into the birth of the Klu Klux Klan Reconstruction period. I think this is an often overlooked element during this time period in American History.

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The Civil War, Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian by Shelby Foote

The Civil War, Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian by Shelby Foote
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't think their is a more extensive and detail filled account of the American Civil War around. I've already read the books and thought listening to it would enhance an already detailed account. It is very detailed and thorough as Shelby Foote is one of the master's when it comes to Civil War history. The only complaint I had about this is that sometimes to audio is off balanced both in volume and tone at times as you can tell where the stopped and started the narrative at times. It is long too as it clocks in at over 40 plus hours. It may be a bit easier to get through this than physically reading the book but that's hard to say as I read the book quite some time ago. The only critique as far as the book I can think of was that Shelby seemed to focus a lot more on the southern side during the Battle of Gettysburg. In particular the battle for Little Round Top which was probably one of the most pivotal points of the battle, if not the war it's self which seemed to only get a paragraph or two and told almost entirely from southern point of view. I still view this series a must read for any U.S. History or Civil War buff. Just be aware it is extensive reading or listening involved.

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