Southern Reconstruction

Republicans Rise to Power

Carpetbaggers: Northerners who moved south to take advantage of economic opportunities Some exploited war-torn towns and

corruption ruled politicsOthers wanted to help southerners

African American Life in the South

Since the 15th amendment allowed Africans Americans to vote, many freedmen took part in governing the South

Church became the center of the community. They promoted social values, settled disputes, disciplined individuals

With the help of the Freedmen’s Bureau, a public school system was created. By 1876 40% of African American children had attended school

Southern Resistance

Many southerners despised the “Black Republican” governments they felt were forced upon them

Some southerners organized secret societies to terrorize African Americans

The largest of these groups was the Ku Klux Klan Burned African American homes, schools & churches Attempted to prevent African Americans and white

Republicans from voting

End of Reconstruction Following the Panic of 1873, attention to

reconstruction faded. Northerners were more concerned with their

own economic problems In the election of 1876, the electoral college

winner was unclear.Compromise of 1877: a deal between

Republicans and Southern Democrats that named Rutherford Hayes winner of the election if the Republicans pulled troops out of the South.

End of ReconstructionSuccesses

1. Union was rebuilt & began repairs to war-torn South

2. Stimulated the economy

3. 14th and 15th amendments passed

4. Freedmen’s Bureau helped black families find housing, jobs and schooling

5. Southern states adopted mandatory education system

Failures

1. Most southern blacks remained in poverty

2. Southern governments and terror groups denied African Americans the right to vote

3. Racist attitudes continued

4. Southern bitterness toward north & government

5. Slow southern industrialization