Historical Methodology Essays -- Racism Literature Books Papers

Historical MethodologyThe Strange Career of Jim exult, by C. Van Woodward, traces the history of race relations in the United States from the mid(prenominal) and late nineteenth century through the twentieth century. In doing so Woodward brings to light significant aspects of Reconstruction that remain unknown to more today. He argues that the races were not as separate many people believe until the Jim Crow laws. To set up such an argument, Woodward first outlines the relationship between southerly and Northern whites, and African Americans during the nineteenth century. He then breaks down the elaborate of the injustice brought about by the Jim Crow laws, and outlines the transformation in American society from discrimination to Civil Rights. Woodwards argument is very convincing because he uses specific evidence to support his opinions and to connect his ideas. Considering the time cessation in which the book and its editions were written, it should be praised for its i nsight into and analysis of the most burning(prenominal) social issue in American history.From the beginning of the book, Woodward argues that prior to Jim Crow, separationism in the Southern states was not as strong as many assume. To support this claim he cites Slavery in the Cities, where author Richard C. walk provides evidence for segregation while at the same time states that, In every city in Dixieblacks and whites lived side by side, share-out the same premises if not equal facilities and living constantly in each others presence.1 In the rural areas during slavery, African Americans and whites to a fault had a large amount of social interaction, because, as Woodward explains, control was high hat maintained by a large degree of physical disturb and association.2 ... ...better in the 1950s. 22 Given the historical context in which the book was written, its touristy reception, its persuasiveness, and the realities of the history of race relations which it exposes, the books significance cannot be denied. 1 C. Vann Woodward, The Strange Career of Jim Crow. (Oxford University Press New York, 1955), 14. 2 Woodward, 22.3 Woodward, 19.4 Woodward, 21. 5 Woodward, 37.6 Woodward, 53-54.7 Woodward, 54.8 Woodward, 65.9 Woodward, 69. 10 Woodward, 71.11 Woodward, 72-73.12 Woodward, 130-132.13 Woodward, 81.14 Woodward, 98.15 Woodward, 115.16 Woodward, 118.17 Woodward, 119.18 Woodward, 128.19 Woodward, 174.20 William S. McFeely, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, Afterword, 22421 McFeely, 227.22 McFeely, 224.