Carpetbaggers Scalawags rebuilding the South after the Civil

Carpetbaggers & Scalawags …rebuilding the South after the Civil War

Carpetbaggers • Northern white men who moved to the South • Often carried all their possessions in suitcases made of carpet

Carpetbaggers • Some became politicians and ran Republican governments during Radical Reconstruction • Some became businessmen who took advantage of poor southerners • Generally disliked by most southerners

Scalawags • Southern white men who joined the Republican Party • Some were “Unionists” at heart; tried to help ex-slaves • Some helped Carpetbaggers take advantage of poor southerners • Some were elected to Republican dominated governments during Radical Reconstruction

Scalawags • Many were ex. Confederate soldiers trying to regain power • Considered “traitors” by fellow Southerners

Negative Activities • Took advantage of economic conditions and money making opportunities in the South (invested money to make money) • Used ex-slaves as sharecroppers to farm and make a profit • Bribed officials to pass laws to take advantage of poor people

Negative Activities • Made money by securing land rights for railroad companies • Embezzled money from state treasuries • Loaned money but charged high interest rates

Accomplishments • • Rebuilt Southern economic and social life Rebuilt roads and towns Set up legitimate businesses in the South Restored agricultural production

Accomplishments As long as Union Army was in the South: • Fair tax system implemented • Improved African American’s civil rights, including black men voting • Education for African Americans and poor whites

Carpetbaggers & Scalawags …rebuilding the South after the Civil War