The Clansman which was published in 1905 by Thomas Dixon Jr., and is the second book in a trilogy following the post-Civil War era, debuted at a time when the country was still recovering from the Civil War and African Americans were attempting to make their way into politics while continuing to lobby for equality. The book opens in 1865 when the war ends and follows the Reconstruction period showcasing both sides of the conflict and bringing to light the reemergence of the Ku Klux Klan throughout the story as well as bringing to light the social stigmas and discrimination of the time.
Thomas Frederick Dixon Jr. was born in Shelby, North Carolina on January 11, 1864 to Thomas Jeremiah Frederick Dixon II and Amanda Elvira McAffe. His father
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His first practice was in Greensboro, and later that year he moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina to serve at First Baptist Church. Dixon left Goldsboro and made his way to Raleigh, NC and the Second Baptist Church. In 1887 he was offered a job in Boston, Massachusetts at the Dudley Street Church and soon became very popular, he soon was in high demand not only in the pulpit but also giving lectures. Wake Forest University asked Dixon to give their commencement as well as offered him an honorary doctorate. Although Dixon turned down the honorary doctorate, he would go on to pay homage to Woodrow Wilson, who at the time was very unknown. This act would give Wilson his first exposure to the …show more content…
Dr. Hancock chose this piece of literature because of its historical background and because its author and the book have inspired many people and have furthered the discussion of racial injustice and judgements that occurred in the years following the Civil War. It related greatly to the lectures Dr. Hancock has used in her class, not only in her talks about the Civil War, but it can also be referenced as she teaches about the Modern Civil Rights Movement.
The Clansman by Thomas Dixon Jr. is a well written book that occurs during the Reconstruction period in the United States. It follows loveable characters and unwraps their stories, while addressing the political and social stigmas during the time. It is a historic book that should be read by all those interested in the Civil War and the Reconstruction