Download Reconstruction and its Challenges

Reconstruction and its
Challenges
Changes in Southern Politics
• Rich Southern Plantation owners no longer
dominated politics. – No Slavery = Less Profits
• Scalawags:
– Business people who opposed secession.
– White supporters of the new Republican
governments.
– Considered traitors by many Southerners
Carpetbaggers
• Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved
to the South looking to make money from
Southern reconstruction.
• Union Soldiers who developed a love of
Southern lands and traditions.
– They stayed as Teachers, Preachers, and
Government Officials.
• Perceived as Outsiders and Conquerors.
African Americans
• Voted in large numbers and were elected to
public office.
• Sheriffs, Mayors, Legislators, Congressmen
and Senators.
• Had very little political power compared to
White men.
• Hiram Rhodes Revels elected as a
Senator in 1870.