The Rending of Virginia by Grandville Hall covers which historical period?

The Rending of Virginia by Grandville Hall focuses on the events surrounding the statehood movement, which occurred during the Civil War and the early Reconstruction era. This period is significant as it details the division of Virginia and the subsequent creation of the state of West Virginia. The statehood movement exemplifies the political and social upheaval of the time, as the western counties of Virginia sought to separate from the rest of the state in order to retain their own interests and governance, largely due to differing economic structures and political affiliations. This historical context highlights the complexities of state formation and the struggle for representation, making the choice of the statehood movement a critical aspect of the narrative presented in Hall's work.