What term is used to describe northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, often seeking political or economic advantage?

The term used to describe northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, often seeking political or economic advantage, is "carpetbaggers." This term originated from the perception that these individuals arrived in the South carrying their belongings in bags made of carpet fabric, symbolizing their opportunistic nature. Carpetbaggers played a significant role during the Reconstruction era, as many sought to take advantage of the tumultuous social and economic conditions in the post-war South, often engaging in politics and economic ventures.

In contrast, "scalawags" refers to Southern whites who supported Reconstruction and the Republican Party, often viewed with disdain by other Southerners. "Unionists" describe those who remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, and "Exodusters" were African Americans who migrated from the Southern states to Kansas in search of land and better opportunities following the war. Understanding these terms enhances the knowledge of the complex dynamics present in the Reconstruction era and the varied motivations of individuals during that time.