"American History" Herring {10.2} Reconstruction: Republican Rule

HOW important were African American churches?

African American churches were the only institutions under their control once segregation was imposed. They took the lead in organizing political action for civil rights.

WHO were the carpetbaggers and the scalawags?

Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South, many of whom were appointed or elected to state government positions. Scalawags were white Southerners who worked with Republicans and supported Reconstruction.

WHY were African Americans churches the center of their communities?

Churches hosted social and political events and provided social and recreational opportunities. They also acted as unofficial courts.

WHAT reforms did Republican governments institute?

Republican government repealed the black codes, established state hospitals, rebuilt transportation systems and industries, and established a public education system.

HOW were schools established for African Americans?

The Freedmen's Bureau established 4,000 schools in the South. Reconstruction governments built a comprehensive public school system. Universities, such as Howard and Tuskegee, were founded.

HOW did the Ku Klux Klan intimidate African Americans?

The KKK broke up Republican meeting, drove out Freedmen's Bureau officials, burned African American homes, schools, and churches, and tried to keep African Americans and white Republicans from voting.

WHERE was the Ku Klux Klan started?

The Ku Klux Klan was started in Pulaski, Tennessee, to drive out carpetbaggers and scare African Americans.

WHAT political positions did formerly enslaved persons hold in the South?

They worked in nearly all levels of government as legislators, administrators, and delegates; they held local offices and were elected to Congress.

How did the Republicans help African Americans reconstruct their lives as free persons?

that many Northerners moved to the South to help with Reconstruction after the war. While many were corrupt, many really wanted to help. They, along with some white Southerners, worked with Republican governments to ensure that African Americans would participate in democracy by voting, running for office, and being appointed to positions in local and state governments. Republicans repealed black codes, made more state offices elective and established state hospitals. They rebuilt transportation systems, industries, public schools, and schools for higher education. They fought against the Ku Klux Klan. Congressional Republicans passed three Enforcement Acts to combat the violence in the South.