The term carpetbagger arose in the South after the American Civil War
(1861–65). At first, people used it to refer to any unwelcome stranger.
The term soon evolved, however, to refer particularly to a northern businessman or politician who came south to take advantage of the postwar
environment. Many northerners became politically active in the South
during the Reconstruction years—the time when the states that had
separated from the Union were reorganized after the Civil War—and
many local southerners strongly resented them.
Carpetbags were a common suitcase made of strong fabric resembling carpet. The term carpetbaggers indicated that the northerners were
so transitory that all they brought with them could fit into a carpetbag.
In hopes of preventing northerners from building a lasting political presence, southern Democrats used the term to accuse Republican northerners of taking advantage of the economic and social challenges facing the
South. Southern foes hoped to create an image of poor, meddling northerners who were working only for their own selfish interests.
Many northern Republicans were sincere and played important roles
in southern politics during the first few years of Reconstruction. The efforts of the southern Democrats to oppose them, however, eventually
paid off. Carpetbaggers disappeared as Democrats reclaimed political
power throughout the South.