"Reforging the White Republic" by Edward J. Blum, excellent book.

I have recently finished reading "Reforging the White Republic: Race, Religion, and American Nationalism, 1865-1898," by Edward J. Blum. It is an excellent book. It tells how the initial openness to a non-racial and civic republic after the Civil War was thwarted and how American Protestantism turned from racial equality to white nationalism.

One key thing in forging the white republic was the use of reconciliation to accomplish this, by giving in to the white supremacist views of ex-Confederates and then ultimately adopting them. White supremacy wasn't a byproduct of reconciliation, but a direct step in its accomplishment.

Incidentally, the Women's Christian Temperance Union was a supporter of white supremacy and anti-Catholic prejudice. So, unless you have a problem with drinking, hoist a glass today and celebrate their near demise in American life.