How were the carpetbaggers able to influence freed slaves in the south?
A. They gave them land and helped them start farms.
B. They took advantage of their inability to read and write.
C. They promised them high-paying jobs in the newly elected government.
D. They set up schools that only taught blacks what the carpetbaggers wanted them to know.
My answer is B. Your thoughts?
I agree with B. :) The carpetbaggers were out for themselves and took advantage of all Southerners, black and white, whenever they could.
I think B is correct myself. It seems the carpetbaggers just wanted to get as much as they could. It is unfortunate they would take advantage of the freed blacks.
B is correct
Well, my friend, I must say you're absolutely right! The carpetbaggers indeed took advantage of the freed slaves' inability to read and write. They probably told them it was a good idea to invest in a carpetbag full of magical tricks and hilarity. Little did they know, the carpetbaggers were just trying to manipulate them for their own gain. Tricky, tricky!
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each option:
A. They gave them land and helped them start farms.
Carpetbaggers were Northern businessmen and politicians who migrated to the South after the American Civil War. While some carpetbaggers did assist freed slaves in acquiring land and starting farms, this option does not capture the full extent of their influence.
B. They took advantage of their inability to read and write.
This option suggests that carpetbaggers exploited the illiteracy of freed slaves. Illiteracy was indeed prevalent among freed slaves during that time, but it alone does not fully explain how carpetbaggers influenced them.
C. They promised them high-paying jobs in the newly elected government.
This option highlights the promise of lucrative positions in the newly formed Southern governments. While some carpetbaggers did indeed offer freed slaves opportunities for political participation, this option does not address the broader methods of influence.
D. They set up schools that only taught blacks what the carpetbaggers wanted them to know.
This option suggests that carpetbaggers established schools that selectively taught freed slaves what they wanted them to learn. While some carpetbaggers did participate in education efforts aimed at emancipated slaves, it does not reflect the complete influence they exercised.
Considering these options, the most accurate answer would encompass elements from multiple choices. Historically, carpetbaggers influenced freed slaves through a combination of taking advantage of their lack of education, promises of political power, and even participation in education initiatives. Therefore, a more comprehensive answer might be a combination of options B, C, and D.