1. Resistance and Resentment:
Many Southerners felt a sense of resistance and resentment towards the Northern victors and the policies that were implemented during Reconstruction. They opposed the abolition of slavery, the granting of civil rights to African Americans, and the presence of federal troops in the South.
2. White Supremacy and Black Codes:
A prevailing attitude among many white Southerners was that African Americans were inferior and should remain subordinate to whites. This led to the enactment of Black Codes, which were laws that restricted the civil rights of African Americans and aimed to maintain white supremacy. These codes included restrictions on voting, property ownership, jury service, and other aspects of daily life.
3. Ku Klux Klan and Violence:
The rise of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other white supremacist groups was a significant aspect of the South's attitude during Reconstruction. These organizations used violence, intimidation, and terror tactics to suppress African American political participation and maintain racial segregation. The Klan's activities created an atmosphere of fear and prevented many African Americans from fully exercising their rights.
4. Economic and Social Disruption:
The end of slavery and the destruction caused by the Civil War had profound effects on the Southern economy and society. Plantation owners and wealthy elites faced financial difficulties as their labor force was disrupted. Many Southerners grappled with poverty and the need to rebuild their lives.
5. Calls for Reconciliation:
While there were those who resisted change, there were also voices calling for reconciliation and a renewed sense of unity between the North and South. Some Southerners recognized the need for economic and social progress and sought ways to move beyond the divisions of the Civil War.
6. Redemption and Home Rule:
As Reconstruction came to an end, many Southerners aimed to regain control of their state governments and restore their autonomy. This desire for "Redemption" led to the rise of conservative political leaders who promised to protect Southern interests and resist further federal interference.
In summary, the South's attitude during Reconstruction was marked by a mix of resistance to change, resentment, white supremacy, violence, economic and social disruption, calls for reconciliation, and a desire for self-governance. These attitudes shaped the course of Reconstruction and had lasting impacts on the region's politics, economy, and social structure for decades to come.