Most white Southerners bitterly resented the Southern Reconstruction Governments. They didn't like how these governments were forced on them by Yankees. Many taxpayers blamed their highly priced bills on the misuse of public office for personal gain. Some Southern officeholders lined their pockets with public funds but most, whether white or black, were honest. When taxes increased so did the opposition to the new state governments. Southerners were bothered by seeing former slaves being able to vote and holding positions in office.
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