What term is used to refer to white Southerners who supported Reconstruction after the Civil War?

The term that refers to white Southerners who supported Reconstruction after the Civil War is "scalawags." These individuals were often criticized by other Southern whites for cooperating with the Reconstruction efforts, which were largely led by Northern politicians and aimed at rebuilding the South and ensuring rights for formerly enslaved people. Scalawags typically sought to promote economic development and integrate into the new political framework that included more inclusive policies, mainly through support of the Republican Party during this time.

The other terms listed have specific meanings that do not apply to this group. "Carpetbaggers" refers to Northern transplants who moved to the South during Reconstruction, often seen as opportunists seeking to exploit the region's misfortunes. "Rebels" generally describes those who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and does not relate to their stance on Reconstruction. "Unionists" refers to Southerners who remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, and while some may have supported Reconstruction, the term does not specifically identify those white Southerners who actively supported the new policies implemented during that era like scalawags do.