Alison Clark Efford

German Immigrants, Race, and Citizenship in the Civil War Era

Publications of the German Historical Institute. Cambridge University Press, 2013.

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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 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. That year, the Franco-Prussian War prompted German immigrants to reevaluate the liberal nationalism underpinning African-American suffrage. Throughout the period, the newcomers’ approach to race, ethnicity, gender, and political economy shaped American citizenship law.

Alison Clark Efford’s introduction (available for download above) was published by Cambridge University Press in the Publications of the German Historical Institute series. This version is free to view and download for personal use only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Alison Clark Efford 2013. The title is also available for purchase on the Cambridge website.