Overview

This study of Civil War-era politics explores how German immigrants influenced the rise and fall of white commitment to African-American rights.

Intertwining Developments

Intertwining developments in Europe and North America, Alison Clark Efford describes how the presence of naturalized citizens affected the status of former slaves and identifies 1870 as a crucial turning point.

Historical Context

That year, the Franco-Prussian War prompted German immigrants to re-evaluate the liberal nationalism underpinning African-American suffrage.

Influences on Citizenship Law

Throughout the period, the newcomers' approach to race, ethnicity, gender, and political economy shaped American citizenship law.