During reconstruction a carpetbagger was a northerner who

Explanation:

During the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War, the South was essentially in ruin. There was lots of political, economic, and social instability.

Some Northerners saw this turmoil and decided to gain something from it. These carpetbaggers moved from the North to the South for their own profit. They were called this because they brought just a "carpet bag" of belongings with them.

In the South, some looked for work, some bought up cheap land, and others meddled in politics. However, some had genuine ideals and hoped to help the South. They wanted to reform these states and advocated for the free slaves.