Scalawags

Definition

Scalawags were white Southerners who supported Reconstruction after the Civil War, often seen as traitors by those who opposed it. They were typically small farmers or working-class individuals who believed that Reconstruction policies could help improve their economic situation and political power, particularly by aligning with the newly enfranchised African American population and Northern Republicans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scalawags were often targeted by violence and intimidation from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to undermine Reconstruction efforts.
2. Many scalawags sought to promote economic development in the South, believing that cooperation with the federal government and African Americans would lead to better opportunities.
3. The term 'scalawag' was originally used as a derogatory term for unscrupulous individuals but became associated specifically with those who supported Reconstruction.
4. Some scalawags held political office during Reconstruction, helping to create new state governments that focused on rebuilding and reform.
5. The legacy of scalawags is complex; while they played a role in advancing Reconstruction, they were often viewed with suspicion and resentment by their fellow Southerners.

Review Questions

• What motivated scalawags to support Reconstruction, and how did their actions influence Southern society?
  • Scalawags were motivated by a combination of economic interests and a belief in the potential benefits of Reconstruction policies. Many were small farmers who saw an opportunity to improve their circumstances through cooperation with Northern Republicans and the newly freed African American population. Their actions influenced Southern society by contributing to new political dynamics and encouraging efforts aimed at rebuilding and reforming the post-war South.
• Evaluate the role of scalawags in the broader context of Reconstruction policies and the opposition they faced from other Southern groups.
  • Scalawags played a significant role in supporting Reconstruction policies, often collaborating with Radical Republicans to implement changes aimed at integrating African Americans into society and rebuilding the South's economy. However, they faced fierce opposition from white Southerners who viewed them as traitors, leading to violent backlash from groups like the Ku Klux Klan. This conflict highlighted the deep divisions in Southern society during this period of upheaval.
• Assess the long-term impact of scalawags on post-Civil War Southern politics and how their legacy is viewed today.
  • The long-term impact of scalawags on post-Civil War Southern politics can be seen in their contributions to the initial establishment of civil rights and political representation for African Americans. However, their legacy is mixed; while they were crucial in advancing certain reforms, they were also stigmatized by future generations who romanticized the pre-war South. Today, discussions about scalawags reflect broader themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of identity during a tumultuous era in American history.

Related terms

Carpetbaggers: Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often perceived as opportunists looking to exploit the region's post-war turmoil for personal gain.

Radical Republicans:

A faction within the Republican Party that advocated for strong measures during Reconstruction to ensure civil rights and political representation for freedmen.

Reconstruction Acts: Laws passed by Congress in 1867 aimed at restructuring Southern society, establishing military governance, and ensuring rights for newly freed slaves.