Aaron Sheehan-Dean

Join Aaron Sheehan-Dean, a history professor from Louisiana State University, as he dives into the intriguing scenario of what America could have looked like if Lincoln had survived his assassination. They discuss how his leadership might have shaped Reconstruction differently, from Southern state reintegration to the preservation of civil rights for Black Americans. The conversation flags the stark contrasts between Lincoln's inclusive vision and Andrew Johnson's contentious policies, highlighting the enduring implications of these historical pivots.

In this engaging discussion, Aaron Sheehan-Dean, a Professor of Southern Studies at Louisiana State University, sheds light on the grim origins of Jim Crow laws. He explains how attempts to create a multiracial democracy post-Civil War unraveled, leading to the systemic disenfranchisement of African Americans. The conversation dives into the paradoxical relationship between technology and oppression, the pivotal Supreme Court case of Plessy v. Ferguson, and the intricate social and legal frameworks that enforced racial segregation in the South.

Aaron Sheehan-Dean from Louisiana State University discusses the potential consequences of a Union surrender in the Civil War, including the future of slavery and the impact on Brazil and Cuba. The podcast also explores the hypothetical scenario of a Confederate victory and its profound consequences, such as potential border crisis and long-term effects on the United States and the world.