659. John C. Rodrigue joins us to discuss his research on the Civil War and Reconstruction. John is a prominent historian
specializing in the U.S. Civil War and Reconstruction, known for his
deep focus on slavery, emancipation, and the Lower Mississippi Valley,
with key books like Reconstruction in the Cane Fields and Freedom's
Crescent, exploring how the war transformed Southern society and
Lincoln's evolving views on Reconstruction. He's recognized for
meticulous research and contributions to understanding the complex
transition from slavery to free labor, earning awards like the 2024 John Nau Book Prize for his 2023 work.
