key term - Scalawags

Definition

Scalawags were Southern whites who supported Reconstruction after the Civil War, often collaborating with Northern Republicans. They were seen as traitors by many in the South, as they aligned with the policies aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring civil rights for newly freed African Americans. This term is deeply connected to the broader failures of Reconstruction, highlighting the resistance faced by those who sought to implement change during this tumultuous period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scalawags were often former Whigs who found themselves marginalized in the post-Civil War political landscape dominated by Democrats.
2. They played a significant role in local and state governments during Reconstruction, supporting policies that promoted education and civil rights for African Americans.
3. The term 'Scalawag' was used derogatorily by opponents, reflecting the deep divisions in Southern society regarding Reconstruction efforts.
4. Many Scalawags faced violence and intimidation from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to maintain white supremacy and resist Reconstruction policies.
5. The support of Scalawags for Reconstruction ultimately contributed to its failure as they were unable to withstand the backlash from conservative whites opposed to change.

Review Questions

• How did Scalawags contribute to the political landscape of the South during Reconstruction?
  • Scalawags significantly impacted Southern politics by participating in local and state governments where they supported Reconstruction efforts. Their alignment with Northern Republicans helped push forward policies aimed at rebuilding the South and advancing civil rights for African Americans. Despite being viewed as traitors by many in their communities, Scalawags aimed to foster change, although their influence was challenged by widespread opposition from conservative whites.
• Evaluate the social consequences Scalawags faced in Southern society due to their support for Reconstruction.
  • Scalawags often encountered severe social repercussions for their support of Reconstruction, including ostracism and violence. Many were targeted by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to intimidate anyone seen as collaborating with Northern interests or advocating for African American rights. This environment of fear and hostility not only affected Scalawags but also highlighted the deep-rooted resistance to change in Southern society during this era.
• Analyze how the actions of Scalawags influenced the overall failure of Reconstruction in the South.
  • The actions of Scalawags were pivotal yet ultimately insufficient in overcoming the entrenched opposition to Reconstruction. While they sought progress through alliances with Northern Republicans and advocated for civil rights, their efforts were consistently undermined by violent reprisals from conservative factions and systemic racism. The backlash against Scalawags contributed to a broader environment that allowed Southern Democrats to regain control, dismantling many Reconstruction reforms and paving the way for Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchisement.

Related terms

Carpetbaggers:

Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often perceived as opportunists seeking to exploit the post-war turmoil for personal gain.

Radical Republicans:

A faction of the Republican Party that emerged during the Civil War and Reconstruction, advocating for strong federal action to protect the rights of African Americans and to punish Southern states for their rebellion.

Black Codes:

Laws passed in Southern states after the Civil War to restrict the freedoms of African Americans and maintain white supremacy in the social and economic order.