The events of 1861-1877 were the pivotal years in determining the course of the United States of America. These years did more to forge the modern American state, society, and class system than scarcely any other era. The Reconstruction period of 1865-1877 inaugurated an unprecedented moment of Black self-determination and multiracial democracy. No aspect of U.S. history, full of promise and potential, is more misunderstood. This talk will chronicle the incredible heroism, sacrifice and tragedy of the newly-freed slaves and Northern radicals in trying to establish a truly just American Republic.