Historical Methodology The Curious Career of Jim Crow, by C. Van Woodward, traces the history of race relations in the United States from the mid- and late 19th century through the 20th century . In doing so, Woodward highlights important aspects of Reconstruction that remain unknown to many today. He argues that the races were not as separate as many people believed until Jim Crow laws. To support such an argument, Woodward first describes the relationships between Southern and Northern whites and African Americans during the 19th century. He then details the details of the injustice caused by Jim Crow laws and describes the transformation of American society from discrimination to civil rights. Woodward's argument is very convincing because he uses specific evidence to support his opinions and connect his ideas. Considering the time period in which the book and its editions were written, he should be commended for his understanding and analysis of the most important social issue in American history. Early in the book, Woodward argues that before Jim Crow, segregation in the Southern states was not as strong as many believe. To support this claim, he cites Slavery in the Cities, where author Richard C. Wade provides evidence of segregation while stating that "In every town in Dixie...blacks and whites lived side by side, sharing the same premises if necessary. not equal facilities and constantly living in each other's presence. »[1] In rural areas during slavery, African Americans and whites also had many social interactions, because, as Woodward explains, "control was best maintained by large numbers of people." degree of physical contact and association. »[2]...... middle of paper...... better in the 1950s. [22] Given the historical context in which the book was written, its popular reception, its power of persuasion and the realities of the history of race relations that it exposes, the importance of the book cannot be denied.[1] C. Vann Woodward, The Strange Career of Jim Crow. (Oxford University Press: New York, 1955), 14.[2] Woodward, 22 years old.[3] Woodward, 19 years old.[4] Woodward, 21 years old.[5] Woodward, 37.[6] Woodward, 53-54.[7] Woodward, 54.[8] Woodward, 65.[9] Woodward, 69.[10] Woodward, 71.[11] Woodward, 72-73.[12] Woodward, 130-132.[13] Woodward, 81.[14] Woodward, 98 years old.[15] Woodward, 115.[16] Woodward, 118.[17] Woodward, 119.[18] Woodward, 128.[19] Woodward, 174.[20] William S. McFeely, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, Afterword, 224[21] McFeely, 227.[22] McFeely, 224.