When Reconstruction began, which groups of Americans living in the South tended to support the Democratic Party?
Abraham Lincoln's Republican party freed the slaves and began Reconstruction of the South. The Southern whites bitterly opposed Reconstruction and turned en masse to the Democratic party.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Democrats#American_Civil_War_.26_post-Reconstruction
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556642_2/Reconstruction_(U_S_history).html
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To find out which groups of Americans living in the South tended to support the Democratic Party during Reconstruction, you can follow these steps:
1. Research the historical context: Start by understanding the period of Reconstruction, which occurred after the American Civil War (1861-1865) and aimed to rebuild and integrate the Southern states back into the Union. This context is crucial for understanding the political landscape of that time.
2. Identify key factors: During Reconstruction, several factors influenced political alliances and party affiliations in the South. These factors include race, economic class, geographic location, and political ideology.
3. Consider race and slavery: One critical factor was the issue of racial equality and the former slave population. The Democratic Party in the South opposed the Republican Party's efforts towards racial equality and civil rights for freed slaves, as well as the active involvement of the federal government.
4. Examine economic class interests: Another factor to consider is the economic class divide. The Democratic Party tended to attract support from wealthy plantation owners, businessmen, and aristocrats who sought to maintain their economic and social dominance in the South. They often resented the Republican Party's policies that aimed to distribute land and resources more equitably among former slaves and poor whites.
5. Focus on geographic factors: The geographic location within the South also played a role. The Democratic Party saw relatively more support in areas with strong agricultural economies and large plantations. Conversely, the Republican Party found considerable support among African Americans, poor whites, and those living in urban centers.
6. Investigate political ideology: Lastly, political ideology played a role in party affiliation. Democrats during Reconstruction generally held conservative viewpoints, advocating for limited federal intervention and opposing significant changes to the existing social order and racial hierarchy.
By understanding these factors and their influence during Reconstruction, you can gain insight into which groups tended to support the Democratic Party in the South. Remember that this is a complex and nuanced topic, and there were exceptions and variations based on local circumstances and individual perspectives.