Reconstruction (1865-1877) Review Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering the key political events, social myths, and economic impacts of the Reconstruction era in the United States.

What timeframe describes the Reconstruction era?

1865-1877

What were the three major components of the Legacy of Reconstruction?

Lost opportunity for civil rights and economic opportunity, a legacy of racism and violence, and the migration of African-Americans to other parts of the country.

What was the result of the Compromise reached in 1877?

Samuel Tilden backed off, Rutherford B. Hayes became president, and in exchange, Hayes pulled the remaining troops out of the South, ending Reconstruction.

Who won the popular vote and who won the electoral vote in the Election of 1876?

Samuel Tilden (Democrat) won the popular vote, while Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican) won the electoral vote.

In which three states was the vote disputed during the Election of 1876?

Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida.

What was the myth of "Negro Rule"?

The false belief that African-Americans dominated southern politics, when in reality, they only held a majority in the lower house of South Carolina.

How were "Carpetbaggers" and "Scalawags" defined during Reconstruction?

Carpetbaggers were northerners who moved south for money or opportunity; Scalawags were southerners who collaborated with Republicans.

What specific factors contributed to the North seeing Reconstruction as "hopeless" by the 1870s?

Violence by the Ku Klux Klan and scandals within the Grant administration that led to a loss of credibility for Republicans.

How did the Supreme Court impact the Civil War amendments during the end of Reconstruction?

The Supreme Court issued decisions that watered down the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.

How many African-Americans served in political office during the Reconstruction era?

400 African-Americans.

What was the origin and purpose of the Ku Klux Klan founded in 1867?

The name comes from "kuklos" (Greek for circle), and its purpose was to intimidate and terrorize freed slaves and the whites who tried to help them.

What were Black Codes?

Laws used to control freed slaves by restricting their movement, imposing curfews, and preventing them from changing employers.

Which amendment was prompted by President Johnson's failure to stop the implementation of Black Codes?

The Fourteenth Amendment.

How did sharecropping affect freed slaves and small white farmers?

They fell further into debt over time due to the decrease in prices for cotton.