Reconstruction and Economic Growth Unit Test answers
1. What was the main goal of Radical Republicans during Reconstruction?
- The main goal of Radical Republicans during Reconstruction was to ensure equality and civil rights for freed slaves.
2. How did the Compromise of 1877 impact Reconstruction?
- The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South and allowing Democrats to regain control of state governments.
3. What were the main economic challenges facing the South during Reconstruction?
- The main economic challenges facing the South during Reconstruction included widespread poverty, destruction of infrastructure due to the Civil War, and the need to transition from a slave-based economy to a free labor economy.
4. How did sharecropping impact the Southern economy during Reconstruction?
- Sharecropping became a common practice in the South during Reconstruction, where freed slaves and poor white farmers would rent land from landowners in exchange for a share of the crops produced. This system kept many farmers in debt and perpetuated economic struggles in the region.
5. How did the construction of railroads impact the Southern economy during Reconstruction?
- The construction of railroads in the South during Reconstruction helped to connect the region to other markets and stimulate economic growth. It also created job opportunities and increased transportation of goods and resources.
6. What role did the Freedmen's Bureau play in promoting economic growth during Reconstruction?
- The Freedmen's Bureau played a significant role in promoting economic growth during Reconstruction by providing assistance to newly freed slaves in the form of education, job training, and access to land. This helped to empower freed slaves and provide them with economic opportunities.
7. What was the impact of the Panic of 1873 on the Southern economy during Reconstruction?
- The Panic of 1873 had a detrimental impact on the Southern economy during Reconstruction, as it led to widespread unemployment, bankruptcies, and economic hardship. This made it even more difficult for the region to recover from the effects of the Civil War.