The book explores the heightened interest in the Civil War era during the New Deal, highlighting how this fascination influenced American culture in the 1930s and 1940s. Through an analysis of popular media, including "Gone with the Wind" and various theatrical productions, it examines the conflicting memories and political debates surrounding the Civil War. The author connects these historical reflections to contemporary issues of state power, civil rights, and labor movements, illustrating their resonance with the challenges of the Depression and World War II.
