Save Big on Coursera Plus. 7,000+ courses at $160 off. Limited Time Only! Grab it Explore a Yale University lecture from the DeVane Lecture Series that delves into the complex period of Wartime Reconstruction and the conclusion of the American Civil War. Learn how Professor David Blight examines the profound impact of slavery and racism on American institutions through a critical lens that views racial slavery as a central theme in Americas' history. Understand the pivotal question "can it happen here?" as it relates to the preservation of democratic institutions, pluralistic society, and constitutional governance. Discover the intricate connections between slavery and Yale University, while examining the lasting political, constitutional, racial, and economic legacies of the Civil War period that continue to shape American society. Gain insights into how these historical events serve as crucial turning points that tested the foundations of American democracy and human rights.