Question

what explains the political differences among african american politicians during reconstruction?

a. many of them did not believe that all african american men should vote.

b. they had varied economic pasts.

c. they had to vote the way white politicians told them to.

d. some had been house slaves and some were field slaves.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: African American politicians during Reconstruction generally supported African American men's right to vote, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: African American politicians during Reconstruction had diverse economic backgrounds (e.g., some were skilled workers, some were farmers, etc.). These varied economic pasts influenced their political stances, such as on economic policies, which explains political differences. This is a valid explanation.
• Option C: There's no evidence that African American politicians were forced to vote as white politicians dictated. They had their own political agendas and were advocating for African American rights, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: While the distinction between house and field slaves existed, it was the broader economic and social contexts (tied to their economic pasts) that influenced politics, and the slave role distinction alone is not the main explanation for political differences. So this is less relevant than Option B.

Answer:

B. They had varied economic pasts.