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

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 Accomplishments

Carpetbaggers & Scalawags …rebuilding the South after the Civil War