Foner, Eric. A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863 – 1877. New York: Harper and Row, 1990.

== Summary ==
This
book, an abridged version of Reconstruction:
America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877, examines the contentious legacy
of the Reconstruction Era. Foner argues that nonrevolutionary character and conservatism of the period is incorrect. Through this
framework, The related issues of land and labor and the persistent
conflict between planters’ quest to re-exert control over their labor force and
blacks’ quest for economic independence, race and class became inextricably
linked. Construction expanded the
authority and created a new set of purposes for the federal government,
including an unprecedented commitment to the ideal of a national citizenship,
regardless of race. Foner argues that the expanded role of the state and its
threat to local autonomy and political corruption weakened the support for
Reconstruction. Taken collectively, Foner thus argues that the period was revolutionary, but ultimately was a failure.
The depression of the 1870s, the stagnation of world demand for cotton, the
early rejection of land reform, factionalism, and corruption all contributed to
its failure. Most significantly, by the 1870s, class issues replaced sectional
issues, which led northern industrial bourgeoisie to establish a partnership with
Southern planters, rather than black workers.  The shift in political concerns contributed to
the abandonment of equal rights and the emergence of an unapologetic racism
after the depression of 1873. 
See also: WEB Dubois, Amy Dru Stanton, David Roedegger,