Boom and bust: An economic term that describes a cyclical pattern of prosperity ("boom") and decline ("bust") and signifies financial instability.

Carpetbaggers: A term of contempt used by Southerners about agents, humanitarians, politicians, and businessmen who came to the South to assist or to exploit Reconstruction policies. The term suggests that Northerners could stuff everything they owned into a bag made from carpet.

Inflation: An economic term describing a decline in the value of money in relation to the goods and services it will buy. For example, price increases lessen the purchasing power of money.

Kickbacks: When someone representing a group receives an undeclared payment for having arranged a work or supply contract with another firm. The other firm makes a secret payment to influence the awarding of the contract.

Martial law: A state of emergency during which a military group becomes the sole...