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Who were carpetbaggers?

  1. Southern soldiers fighting for the Confederacy

  2. Northerners who moved to the South for profit or political power

  3. Local Southern politicians supporting Reconstruction

  4. African Americans seeking better opportunities in the North

The correct answer is: Northerners who moved to the South for profit or political power

Carpetbaggers were primarily Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War during the Reconstruction era, seeking economic opportunities or political power in the devastated Southern states. The term "carpetbagger" was used derogatorily by many Southerners, implying that these newcomers were exploiting the situation for their own gain, much like carrying their belongings in a cheap luggage bag made of carpet fabric. During this period, many carpetbaggers took advantage of the South's dire economic conditions, engaging in various ventures such as land speculation, business development, and political involvement. They often sought to influence Reconstruction policies or to support the rights of newly freed African Americans. The belief that carpetbaggers were primarily motivated by financial gain or opportunism reflects the widespread skepticism and hostility they faced from local Southern populations. This context helps clarify why the other choices do not accurately describe carpetbaggers. Southern soldiers who fought for the Confederacy were focused on the war effort and the preservation of their way of life, while local Southern politicians supporting Reconstruction were often viewed as "scalawags" rather than carpetbaggers. Lastly, African Americans seeking better opportunities in the North represents a separate narrative of migration and opportunity distinct from the motivations of carpetbaggers.