What term was used to describe Northerners who traveled to the South for profit during Reconstruction?

• A. Carpetbagger
• B. Scalawag
• C. Radical Republican
• D. Freedman

Answer: (A)

The term used to describe Northerners who traveled to the South for profit during Reconstruction is "Carpetbagger." This label was often used pejoratively by Southern whites who viewed these individuals as outsiders exploiting the post-war chaos for their own gain. Many of these Northerners moved southward to take advantage of economic opportunities in a region that was in need of reconstruction and investment after the Civil War.

These individuals often carried their belongings in bags made from carpet material, which is how the term originated. Carpetbaggers were involved in various activities, including business ventures, as well as political efforts to help rebuild the South and support newly freed African Americans. Their presence was sometimes met with hostility, as they were seen by many Southerners as opportunists rather than genuine contributors to the reconstruction efforts.

Understanding this term also highlights the complex social and economic dynamics that existed during the Reconstruction era, as different groups sought to redefine their identities and push for political and economic changes in the South.