Unit 3 notes 2

Reconstructing SocietyUnit 3- Reconstruction

I. Ulysses S. Grant becomes 18th President in 1868A. Ran as a Republican, voted for by

most blacksB. 15th Amendment passed under

GrantVoting rights for all citizens

II. Conditions in the Postwar SouthA. Public Works Programs (under

Republicans)Rebuilt destroyed buildings, railroads,

bridges, roads and farms- built schools and orphanages

B. Scalawags- White Southerners who joined the Republican PartySome supported Reconstruction, some

just wanted powerC. Carpetbaggers- Northerners who

moved to the South during ReconstructionSome helped former slaves (teachers,

ministers), some were con men

III. Southern economy- few blacks had money for landA. “40 acres and a mule”- Promised

by General Sherman to all slaves that followed his army

1. 40,000 free slaves settled in FL and GA, evicted by President Johnson

2. 1866- Southern Homestead Act- set aside 44 million acres of land for free blacksSwampland, unsuitable for farming