A New Coalition Governs the South
Grade 8 history covers how a new Republican coalition governed the South during Reconstruction, composed of freed African Americans, white Southerners called scalawags, and Northern newcomers called carpetbaggers. This diverse alliance controlled Southern state governments and worked to rebuild the region and expand civil rights. Covered in IMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8, Chapter 16: The Reconstruction Era.
Key Concepts
After the Civil War, the Republican Party's power grew in the South. This power came from an alliance of three distinct groups who had not worked together before.
This new Republican coalition included newly freed African Americans exercising their right to vote. It also brought in some white Southerners, who opponents called scalawags , and Northerners who moved South after the war, known as carpetbaggers .
Common Questions
Who made up the new Republican coalition in the South during Reconstruction?
The Republican coalition included newly freed African Americans exercising voting rights, some white Southerners called scalawags, and Northerners who moved South after the war known as carpetbaggers.
Who were carpetbaggers and scalawags?
Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War. Scalawags were white Southerners who supported the Republican Party during Reconstruction. Both terms were used pejoratively by opponents of Reconstruction.
What did the Reconstruction Republican governments accomplish?
The diverse Republican coalition controlled many Southern state governments and worked to rebuild the region, write new state constitutions, and expand civil rights for all citizens.
Which textbook covers the Reconstruction coalition for Grade 8?
This topic is in IMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 8, Chapter 16: The Reconstruction Era.
What grade level covers Reconstruction politics in the South?
The Reconstruction political coalition in the South is typically covered in Grade 8 US history.