Arkansas' Civil War | The Life & Times of Joseph Brooks

The transcript details the Brooks-Baxter War, a political conflict in Arkansas during the 1870s. Joseph Brooks and Elijah Baxter, both Republicans, vied for the governorship, leading to a violent standoff. Brooks, a carpetbagger, and Baxter, a native Arkansan, both claimed victory in a controversial election. The conflict escalated into a war-like situation in Little Rock, with both sides amassing armed supporters. President Grant intervened to prevent further bloodshed. Ultimately, Baxter retained the governorship, Brooks was appointed Postmaster General, and the conflict ended with significant casualties.

What was the main cause of the second Civil War in the South during the 1800s?

• A controversial election

• A dispute over land ownership

• A disagreement over trade policies

• A conflict over religious beliefs

What was Joseph Brooks' profession before he became involved in politics?

• A school teacher

• A farmer

• A lawyer

• A newspaper editor

What term was used to describe northerners like Joseph Brooks who moved to the South after the Civil War?

• Unionists

• Carpetbaggers

• Scalawags

• Freedmen

What was one of the main issues that Brooks and Baxter disagreed on during their political rivalry?

• The redistribution of land to ex-slaves

• The regulation of trade tariffs

• The construction of railroads

• The establishment of new schools

How did Joseph Brooks initially respond to losing the election to Elijah Baxter?

• He fled the state

• He sought legal support from the courts

• He immediately took up arms

• He conceded defeat

What action did President Ulysses S. Grant take in response to the escalating conflict in Arkansas?

• He declared martial law

• He sent a regiment to monitor the situation

• He personally traveled to Arkansas

• He ignored the conflict

What unusual event marked the beginning of the Brooks-Baxter War?

• A peace treaty signing

• A public debate

• A duel between the leaders

• A battle of the bands

What was the outcome for Joseph Brooks after the conflict was resolved?

• He became governor

• He was made Postmaster General

• He retired from politics

• He was exiled

How many people died as a result of the Brooks-Baxter War?

• 200

• 100

• 50

• 500

What was the final decision made by President Grant regarding the governorship of Arkansas?

• He appointed a new governor

• He allowed Baxter to remain governor

• He declared the election void

• He called for a new election