James Longstreet became a champion of Reconstruction. Why? By Eric Foner. From The Atlantic's December 2023 issue.

Want to share unlimited access to The Atlantic with your loved ones? Give a gift today at theatlantic.com/podgift. For a limited time, select new subscriptions will come with the bold Atlantic tote bag as a free holiday bonus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices