The Sequel of Appomattox: A Chronicle of the Reunion of the States

by Walter L. (Walter Lynwood) Fleming

"The Sequel of Appomattox: A Chronicle of the Reunion of the States" by Walter Lynwood Fleming is a historical account written during the early 20th century. The book explores the complex and tumultuous period following the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the challenges of reconstruction and the attempts to reunify the states after the conflict. The central themes revolve around the socio-economic upheaval, the struggle for civil rights among freed slaves, and the contentious political climate that emerged in the South. The opening of the work sets the scene immediately after the Civil War, highlighting the dire conditions faced by both Black and white populations in the South. Disbanded Confederate soldiers return to devastated lands, and the livelihoods of citizens are in ruins due to the war's destruction. Fleming illustrates the disorganization of society, the devastation of agriculture, and the poverty rampant among all classes, particularly emphasizing the hardships faced by those trying to navigate the transitioning environment and cope with the reality of emancipation. This portion of the text serves as a foundation for examining the subsequent efforts to rebuild and redefine American society in the Reconstruction era.