Question

which of the following was a key contrast between scalawags and carpetbaggers?
(1 point)
scalawags supported reconstruction.
most carpetbaggers were republicans.
carpetbaggers helped african americans.
scalawags were southerners.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the definitions of scalawags and carpetbaggers during Reconstruction:

• Scalawags were white Southerners who supported Reconstruction.
• Carpetbaggers were Northerners who moved to the South after the Civil War, often for political or economic gain.

Now, evaluate the options:

• "Scalawags supported Reconstruction": Both scalawags and many carpetbaggers supported Reconstruction, so this is not a contrast.
• "Most carpetbaggers were Republicans": Both scalawags (many were Republicans) and carpetbaggers (mostly Republicans) had Republican ties, not a contrast.
• "Carpetbaggers helped African Americans": Both groups (to varying degrees) were involved in helping African Americans' political and social advancement, not a contrast.
• "Scalawags were Southerners": Scalawags were Southern, while carpetbaggers were Northern. This is a key contrast in their origin/regional identity.

Answer:

D. Scalawags were Southerners