Reconstruction Vocabulary

Reconstructionthe period after the American Civil War when the southern states were reorganized and brought back into the Union; 1865-1877

Reconstructionthe activity of constructing something again

Radical Republicanduring and after the Civil War, a member of the

Republican Party committed to freeing of the slaves

and later to the equal treatment and enfranchisement

of the freed blacks.

FranchiseThe right to vote

SuffrageThe right to vote

Freedmena former slave who has been released from slavery, usually by legal means

Yeomana farmer who cultivates his own land

Waving the bloody shirtA political practice of referring to the blood shed by martyrs or heroes to inspire support for their cause or avoid criticism

PardonForgiveness for a serious crime

AmnestyA general pardon, especially for crimes against a government, forgiveness

Black codesCodes of law created by the states after the Civil War that limited the rights of freedmen.

Impeachmentthe presentation of formal charges against a public official by the House of Representatives. This does NOT mean that the official is kicked out of office.

Scalawaga Southerner who cooperated with occupying Union forces after the war, often for personal gain

Carpetbaggera Northerner who went South after the war for personal gain or political advancement

Sharecroppinga system of agriculture in which a landowner allows a tenant to use the land in return for a share of the crop produced on that land