The Reconstruction of Georgia
Studies in History, Economics and Public Law, Vol. 13, No. 3, 1901
"The Reconstruction of Georgia" by Edwin C. Woolley is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the political and social changes during the Reconstruction era in Georgia, detailing the processes and challenges as the state transitioned back into the Union after the Civil War. Woolley examines key events, the involvement of notable figures, and the complexity of race relations during this critical period, highlighting the struggle between various factions—including former Confederates, Republican politicians, and newly freed individuals. The opening of the book introduces the context of Presidential Reconstruction following the Civil War, specifically under President Lincoln and later President Johnson. Woolley describes the initial approaches toward reinstating Georgia's government, including efforts by Governor Joseph E. Brown and other Confederate supporters to reclaim authority. However, federal resistance led to military control and the establishment of a provisional government, with significant implications for both white Georgians and the newly emancipated black population. This groundwork sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the struggles associated with returning Georgia to a functioning state within the Union and the social transformations that ensued.