William Dunning Reconstruction Analysis

1 & 5.) The first article by William Dunning discusses black codes and negro suffrage. Dunning speaks of how black codes were not proof of a likelihood to bring back slavery, and how legislatures repealed acts that lent themselves to such offensiveness. Blacks became equals as long as the military command could reach. His overall view seems to be that army force and desire for political power was the only reason for an incoherent proceeding. Dunning examines the Reconstruction time immediately following the Civil War, where blacks were not enslaved, but still suffered from segregation. It mainly focuses on blacks during the period fright after the civil war. The second passage by Erin Foner explores the notion that emancipation meant equality, when, in fact, it did not. The blacks were free from slavery, but not free in the way white American’s of the time were free. The black codes broke the laws laid out by the free labor principles and brought rage from the Republican party. This passage also discusses the period of Reconstruction immediately following the Civil War. However, this passage specifically examines both blacks and whites.
2.)
His words seem to explain the black codes as something that was not wrong. He also justifies the rejection of the Fourteenth Amendment by saying, “a dignified refusal by honorable men to the instruments of their own humiliation and shame.” Dunning also speaks of “an unintelligible proceeding” which is brought on by greed for power in politics. On the other hand, I believe Foner is for the inclusion of freed blacks and the Reconstruction process. He is fending for the African Americans; speaking of how “the death of slavery, did not mean the birth of freedom.” I believe each author’s point of view is clouded by their feelings over the Reconstruction process, neither seems objective in their