What term was used for Northerners who moved to the South during Reconstruction for personal gain?

The term "Carpetbaggers" specifically referred to Northerners who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era, often perceived as opportunists seeking personal gain. These individuals were typically associated with efforts to manage or profit from the South's recovery after the Civil War, including taking advantage of economic and political instability.

The name itself stemmed from the cheap, lightweight carpet bags that many of these Northerners carried with them, which symbolized their transient nature and often their unscrupulous intentions in the eyes of the Southern population. The presence of Carpetbaggers was a point of contention during Reconstruction, as they were seen by some Southerners as exploiting the region's difficulties and, in many cases, interfering in local affairs while attempting to impose Northern ideals.

This terminology is significant within the broader context of post-Civil War America, as it highlights the tensions between the North and South during Reconstruction and sheds light on the complexities of regional attitudes towards governance, aid, and the integration of formerly enslaved people into society.