Reconstruction Chapter 17 Section 3

Questions and Answers

How were scalawags different from carpetbaggers?

Both were the same groups.

Scalawags were Democrats who betrayed the South. (correct)

Carpetbaggers were people who rushed to the South carrying possessions in bags. (correct)

Scalawags supported the Confederate government.

How did African Americans participate in government during Reconstruction?

They were the largest group of Republican voters in the South, with over 600 winning state legislatures and some holding local offices.

Why did Southern Reconstruction governments focus on building railroads and bridges?

To help the Southern economy recover from the war.

Why did resistance to Reconstruction increase?

Many Southerners claimed the new governments were corrupt and resented African American officeholders. Signup and view all the answers

How did the government address the activities of the Ku Klux Klan?

Congress passed laws making it a federal crime to interfere with elections or deny citizens equal protection under the law. Signup and view all the answers

How was the United States affected by the Panic of 1873?

The Republican Party was blamed, 18,000 businesses declared bankruptcy, and unemployment rose. Signup and view all the answers

What issues caused the Republican Party to abandon Reconstruction?

Increased worries about economic problems and corruption, leading to a loss of control in the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the redeemers?

Democrats who regained control of Southern state governments. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways were African Americans restricted from voting?

They were subjected to poll taxes and literacy tests. Signup and view all the answers

How did segregation become a key issue in Plessy vs. Ferguson?

Plessy, an African American, refused to leave the whites-only part of a train. Signup and view all the answers

Why did African Americans stay on plantations?

It was too costly to rent or buy farms or to move West. Signup and view all the answers

Why would the cycle of debt continue as sharecroppers?

Problems with weather, poor harvests, and low crop prices made it difficult to escape debt. Signup and view all the answers

What were the benefits and drawbacks of mill work?

Benefits included family employment and valuing women's work; drawbacks included long hours and health risks. Signup and view all the answers

What was the most successful industrial development in the South after Reconstruction?

Textile production. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hiram Revels?

The first African American in the U.S. Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Compromise of 1877?

The agreement that gave the election to Hayes and involved moving federal troops from the South. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences Between Scalawags and Carpetbaggers

Carpetbaggers: Northerners who moved to the South with their belongings in bags made of carpeting, often perceived negatively by Southerners.
Scalawags: Southerners who supported the Republican Party, seen as traitors by Democrats, often described as "greedy rascals."

African American Participation in Government

Largest group of Republican voters in the South during Reconstruction.
Over 600 African Americans elected to state legislatures.
16 African American politicians elected to Congress.
Numerous African Americans held local office positions throughout the South.

Focus on Infrastructure in Reconstruction Governments

Southern governments prioritized building railroads and bridges to boost the post-war economy.
Funding for projects obtained through raised taxes and issued bonds.

Increase in Resistance to Reconstruction

Claims of corruption and illegitimacy regarding new governments expressed by some Southerners.
Discontent regarding African American officeholders and the presence of federal troops.

Government Response to Ku Klux Klan Activities

Laws enacted by Congress to criminalize election interference and deny citizens equal protection under the law.

Impact of the Panic of 1873 on the United States

The Republican Party blamed for the economic crisis.
Nearly 18,000 businesses declared bankruptcy leading to increased unemployment and protests.

Republican Party Abandonment of Reconstruction

Concerns over economic issues and corruption led to declining party support.
Loss of control in the House of Representatives marked a shift in power.

Redeemers and Control of Southern Governments

Democrats regained control over Southern state governments following the end of Reconstruction.

Restriction of African American Voting Rights

Poll taxes and literacy tests imposed barriers to voting, disproportionately affecting African Americans.

Segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson Case

The case centered around Plessy, an African American who refused to vacate a whites-only section of a train, highlighting racial segregation issues.

African Americans Remaining on Plantations

Economic factors, such as the cost of farming, made staying on plantations a more viable option than renting or relocating.

Cycle of Debt for Sharecroppers

Continuous issues like poor weather and low crop prices created an inescapable cycle of debt for sharecroppers.

Mill Work: Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits: Employment for families, value of women workers, alternative to agriculture.
Drawbacks: Long hours, risk of injury, exposure to health hazards like brown lung disease, and limited opportunities for advancement.

Textile Production Post-Reconstruction

Emerged as the most successful industrial development in the Southern economy after Reconstruction.

Hiram Revels

Notable as the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress, marking a significant milestone in political representation.

Compromise of 1877

Agreement that resolved the 1876 presidential election, awarding the presidency to Hayes in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.

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Explore the key differences between scalawags and carpetbaggers in the context of Reconstruction. Additionally, discover the ways in which African Americans participated in government during this transformative period. This quiz aims to deepen your understanding of these important historical figures and events.