American Nightmare

The History of Jim Crow

By: Jerrold M. Packard

Narrated by: Terrence Kidd

For a hundred years after the end of the Civil War, a quarter of all Americans lived under a system of legalized segregation called Jim Crow. Together with its rigidly enforced canon of racial "etiquette", these rules governed nearly every aspect of life - and outlined draconian punishments for infractions.

The purpose of Jim Crow was to keep African Americans subjugated at a level as close as possible to their former slave status. Exceeding even South Africa's notorious apartheid in the humiliation, degradation, and suffering it brought, Jim Crow left scars on the American psyche that are still felt today. American Nightmare examines and explains Jim Crow from its beginnings to its end: how it came into being, how it was lived, how it was justified, and how, at long last, it was overcome only a few short decades ago. Most importantly, this book reveals how a nation founded on principles of equality and freedom came to enact as law a pervasive system of inequality and virtual slavery.

Although America has finally consigned Jim Crow to the historical graveyard, Jerrold Packard shows why it is important that this scourge - and an understanding of how it happened - remain alive in the nation's collective memory.

©2002 Jerrold M. Packard (P)2021 Tantor

The historical importance.

This book chronicles the hidden history of the relationship of Black Americans and the American people as well as its government and institutions.

An appalling glimpse at our not so distant past

This was a riveting documentary marred only by possibly the worst narration I’ve ever heard. If the subject hadn’t been so well researched the narration would have had me quit early on - but I’m glad that I stuck with it.

Jim Crow what you need to know

Excellently researched and arranged from beginning to end? I would recommend this book to true historians on the many pieces there are to understanding the different chapters of American history . This was truly a American creation that many don’t understand to this day and say they want to take us back to this time .

Should be required reading

This review of our nation’s despicable and not yet fully extinguished treatment of fellow citizens should be required reading for all American students.

Very thorough!

Would not recommend listening to on speaker. Lots of profanity but it makes it hit harder.