In the era after Reconstruction in the United States, what was a primary political goal of white Southerners who supported "redemption"?

Introduction / Context:
After the American Civil War, the period of Reconstruction saw new governments in the Southern states that included African American voters and Republican leaders. Many white Southerners opposed these changes and worked for "redemption," a term they used to describe the return of conservative white Democratic rule. This question asks you to identify their primary political goal, which is central to understanding the end of Reconstruction and the rise of Jim Crow segregation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The time period is the late nineteenth century, after the Civil War.
• Reconstruction governments relied on African American voters and Republican support.
• White "redeemers" wanted to change the political balance in the South.
• Only one option correctly explains what redemption meant politically.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept is political redemption as understood by conservative white Southerners. They aimed to end Reconstruction, reduce or eliminate black political participation, and restore white Democratic dominance. To answer correctly, look for the option that describes restoring white Democratic control and removing African American and Republican influence. Then eliminate options that describe expanded rights, renewed war, or extreme forms of federal or racial equality that do not match historical reality.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that during Reconstruction, African American men voted and sometimes held office in Southern states. Step 2: Remember that many white Southern elites were upset by this change and organized politically and sometimes violently against it. Step 3: Understand that "redemption" referred to the idea of "redeeming" the South from Republican control and biracial democracy. Step 4: Examine option b, which states that the goal was to restore white Democratic control by reducing African American and Republican influence. Step 5: Compare this with option a, which incorrectly suggests expanding African American rights, the opposite of what redeemers wanted. Step 6: Note that option c suggests abolishing state governments, which did not happen, and option d claims promotion of full racial equality, which is historically false. Step 7: Reject option e, which mentions restarting the Civil War, since the goal was political control within the existing Union, not a new secession.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts describe redeemers as conservative Democrats who used political campaigns, economic pressure, and sometimes violence to end Reconstruction governments. They wanted to reduce black voting, remove Republican officeholders, and implement policies that favored white elites. This description matches option b closely and conflicts with all other options, confirming it as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a is wrong because redeemers did not aim to expand African American rights; they worked to limit them. Option c is incorrect because state governments remained central, even under redeemer control. Option d is false, as racial equality was not their goal. Option e is unrealistic; while some may have regretted defeat, the organized political movement sought control within the Union, not a new secession war.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes misinterpret the word "redemption" as something positive for all citizens, when in this historical context it mainly benefited white elites. Another mistake is to assume that any postwar movement in the South aimed at reconciliation or equality, rather than a return to racist power structures. Remembering that redeemers opposed Reconstruction and black political participation will help you choose correctly.

Final Answer:
To restore white Democratic control by removing most African American and Republican influence from Southern politics.