Who were the 'Redeemers' in the post-Civil War South?

The term 'Redeemers' in the context of the post-Civil War South refers to a political coalition that aimed to reclaim control of Southern state governments after the Reconstruction Era. Redeemers were primarily composed of Southern Democrats, many of whom were former Confederates, who sought to restore white supremacy and the antebellum social order. They opposed the Reconstruction policies that were viewed as imposed by the federal government and sought to reinstate a society structured on racial hierarchy. The era of Redemption marked a significant backlash against the advances made by African Americans during Reconstruction, as Redeemers implemented measures such as Jim Crow laws to marginalize Black citizens and disenfranchise them politically.

This understanding is pivotal as it highlights the reactionary nature of the Redeemers against the progressive changes sought during Reconstruction and their role in shaping the social and political landscape of the South in the late 19th century.