Part I. The crucible of war and emancipation

Democracy of the dead: the roots of black politics in the aftermath of the civil war

Ballots, bullets, and blood: celebration and militancy in the postwar south

Part II. The struggle for interracial democracy

Dark days: black congressmen confront the culture of the postwar congress

The emancipatory vision of civil rights in america: black policy during reconstruction

"Color-line politics" and the coming of redemption

PartIII. The changing of the guard

The politics of uncertainty: emigration and fusion in the new south

The last hurrah: the demise of black politics and the rise of the new order.