Black Politicians and Reconstruction in Georgia : A Splendid Failure

This study examines the reasons behind the quick demise of Radical Reconstruction in Georgia. It shows that a primary factor was, ironically, the extraordinary fairness on the part of the state's black leaders in dealing with their former masters. Shortly after the black delegation to the state constitutional convention of 1867-1868 refused to support a provision guaranteeing blacks the right to hold office, blacks were expelled from the state legislature. Only then did the minister-politicians realise that they would have to become more militant and black-orientated if they were to challenge white supremacy. Propelled by this newfound toughness, they were soon able to achieve a limited success by bringing about the Second Reconstruction of Georgia. In the preface to this edition, Drago surveys recent writing on Reconstruction and, drawing on his own research on black leadership in South Carolina, compares experiences in that state to those in Georgia.