1. Granting Political Rights to African Americans: Critics argued that African Americans were not ready for political participation and feared that they would be manipulated by radical politicians. They claimed that giving African Americans the right to vote and hold office would lead to chaos and disruption in society.
2. Economic Exploitation: Southern whites criticized the economic policies of Reconstruction, which they believed favored African Americans and Northern business interests at the expense of the Southern economy. They resented the redistribution of land and the establishment of the Freedmen's Bureau, which provided assistance and education to former slaves.
3. Corruption: There were widespread allegations of corruption and mismanagement during Reconstruction. Some politicians and government officials were accused of taking bribes, awarding contracts to their cronies, and engaging in fraudulent activities. This criticism undermined the credibility and legitimacy of the Reconstruction governments in the eyes of many Southerners.
4. Military Occupation: The presence of federal troops in the South during Reconstruction was seen as oppressive by many white Southerners. They resented the military's involvement in civil affairs and viewed it as a violation of states' rights.
5. Northern Dominance: Southern whites resented the influence and dominance of Northerners in Southern affairs during Reconstruction. They felt that their autonomy and independence were being undermined by the federal government's interference in their local politics and economy.
6. Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws: Critics argued that the Reconstruction governments failed to address the ongoing discrimination and oppression of African Americans. While some progress was made in granting civil rights to African Americans, critics pointed out that the Black Codes and Jim Crow laws that emerged during this period severely limited the rights and opportunities of African Americans.
These criticisms contributed to the growing backlash against Reconstruction and eventually led to the Compromise of 1877, which effectively ended Reconstruction and allowed for the restoration of white supremacy in the South.