Who were the Carpetbaggers in the context of post-Civil War America?

The term "Carpetbaggers" refers specifically to Northerners who relocated to the South after the Civil War, during the Reconstruction era. Many of these individuals were motivated by the economic opportunities presented in the war-torn South, where they sought to invest in businesses, engage in agriculture, or participate in the political landscape that was being reshaped during Reconstruction.

This movement was significant as these Carpetbaggers often played a role in the South's reconstruction efforts, taking on various positions in government and civil society as the region sought to rebuild and integrate formerly enslaved individuals into civic life. The term itself was derived from the carpetbags many of these Northerners carried, which were perceived as a symbol of their economic ambitions—or viewed negatively by some Southerners as reminders of Northern opportunism.

The other groups mentioned in the incorrect options reflect different aspects of post-war society. Southern politicians who opposed Reconstruction sought to maintain the pre-war social order, while wealthy plantation owners struggled with the transformation of the economy and society away from slavery. African American leaders were crucial figures in the fight for civil rights and political representation but are not characterized as Carpetbaggers. Thus, the definition aptly captures the role of Northerners who moved southward during this transformative