What did white Southerners think the goal was of all Northerners who moved south during Reconstruction?

Question

to get rich from the South’s misfortunes
to get rich from the South’s misfortunes

to help Southerners take control of the new state governments
to help Southerners take control of the new state governments

to prevent freedmen from being elected to office
to prevent freedmen from being elected to office

to return southern land to its former owners

Answer 1

During Reconstruction, many white Southerners viewed the influx of Northerners, often referred to as "carpetbaggers," as primarily motivated by the goal of exploiting the South's post-war misfortunes for financial gain. This perspective largely stemmed from a belief that these individuals were seeking to profit from the South's economic struggles and the political instability following the Civil War. Therefore, the correct answer would be:

to get rich from the South’s misfortunes.

This perception was common among many white Southerners who resented the presence of Northerners and believed they were there to take advantage of them rather than to genuinely help rebuild the South.