Historically, in the United States, the term "carpetbagger" came from the period after the Civil War (Reconstruction era). It was a derogatory term for white Northerners who moved South and took advantage of the devastation to gain political power. The term is now used for anyone who moves to a devastated area to take advantage of the situation.
Historically, in the United States, the term "carpetbagger" came from the period after the Civil War (Reconstruction era). It was a derogatory term for white Northerners who moved South and took advantage of the devastation to gain political power. The term is now used for anyone who moves to a devastated area to take advantage of the situation.