Background of the Compromise
The Compromise of 1877 arose from the contentious presidential election of 1876, which pitted Republican Rutherford B. Hayes against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. The election was marked by widespread allegations of voter fraud, intimidation, and disputed voting results, particularly in the Southern states.
The Election of 1876
1. Candidates:
- Rutherford B. Hayes: A former governor of Ohio and a Civil War veteran, he was seen as a moderate Republican.
- Samuel J. Tilden: The governor of New York, he was a reform-minded Democrat who aimed to end corruption in government.
2. Results:
- Tilden won the popular vote, receiving 4,288,546 votes (51%) compared to Hayes’s 4,034,311 votes (47%).
- However, the electoral vote was disputed. Tilden needed one more electoral vote to secure the presidency, while Hayes needed to overturn several disputed states.
3. Disputed States:
- Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina were battlegrounds with contested results, leading to severely divided opinions and an intense political crisis.
The Electoral Commission
In response to the crisis, Congress established a bipartisan Electoral Commission to resolve the disputes. The commission was comprised of five senators, five representatives, and five Supreme Court justices. The Commission's decisions were controversial and seen as partisan.
- Decisions: The Commission ultimately awarded Hayes the disputed electoral votes, giving him a total of 185 electoral votes to Tilden's 184.
Negotiations Leading to the Compromise
As tensions escalated following the decision, both parties faced immense pressure to find a resolution to the impasse. The negotiations were conducted in secrecy, and the outcome was influenced by several factors.
Political Context
1. Republican Party: The Republican Party was keen on retaining power and maintaining their influence in the South, where they had established a coalition with freedmen and some white Republicans.
2. Democratic Party: The Democrats aimed to regain control over the Southern states and were willing to compromise to ensure Hayes's presidency in exchange for their interests.
Key Players in the Compromise
- Rutherford B. Hayes: His desire to heal the nation and end Reconstruction drove him to negotiate.
- Democratic Leaders: Figures such as Senator David B. Hill and former Confederate leaders pushed for concessions from the Republicans.
Terms of the Compromise
The final terms of the Compromise of 1877 included several significant concessions:
1. Withdrawal of Federal Troops: The most critical aspect was the agreement to remove the remaining federal troops from the South, effectively ending military Reconstruction.
2. Political Appointments: Hayes promised to appoint at least one Southern Democrat to his cabinet, which would grant the South a voice in federal governance.
3. Infrastructure Investment: Hayes also agreed to support federal funding for infrastructure improvements in the South, particularly railroads.
4. Protection of African American Rights: Although the compromise aimed to protect the rights of African Americans, the reality was that the withdrawal of troops would lead to increased violence and oppression.
Impact of the Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 had far-reaching consequences for both the political landscape of the United States and the lives of African Americans in the South.
End of Reconstruction
The withdrawal of federal troops signified the end of Reconstruction, a period that had aimed at rebuilding the Southern economy and integrating formerly enslaved people into society.
1. Rise of Jim Crow Laws: The absence of federal oversight allowed Southern states to enact discriminatory laws that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African American voters.
2. Violence and Intimidation: The vacuum of power led to increased violence against African Americans, including lynchings and the rise of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, who sought to maintain white supremacy.
Political Consequences
1. Democratic Control of the South: The compromise restored Democratic control in the South, which would dominate Southern politics for decades.
2. Shift in Republican Strategy: The Republican Party shifted its focus to the industrial North and the emerging economic issues, diminishing its commitment to civil rights for African Americans.
Long-term Effects on African Americans
1. Disenfranchisement: African Americans faced systemic disenfranchisement through literacy tests, poll taxes, and other legal barriers that effectively stripped them of their voting rights.
2. Civil Rights Movement: The end of Reconstruction and the establishment of Jim Crow laws set the stage for the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century, as African Americans and their allies would later fight for equality and justice.
Conclusion
The Compromise of 1877 was a defining moment in U.S. history that not only resolved a contentious election but also set the stage for decades of racial oppression and political division. The decisions made during this period had long-lasting implications, shaping the trajectory of race relations and political dynamics in the United States. Understanding the Compromise of 1877 is crucial for comprehending the complex interplay of race, politics, and power that continues to influence American society today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Compromise of 1877?
The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden, resulting in Hayes becoming president in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South.
What were the main terms of the Compromise of 1877?
The main terms included the removal of federal troops from Southern states, the appointment of at least one Southern Democrat to Hayes’s cabinet, and support for internal improvements in the South.
How did the Compromise of 1877 affect Reconstruction?
The Compromise effectively ended the Reconstruction era, leading to the withdrawal of federal support for Reconstruction governments in the South and the resurgence of white Democratic control over Southern states.
What were the implications of the Compromise of 1877 for African Americans?
The implications included the rollback of civil rights protections and the establishment of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans in the South.
Who were the key political figures involved in the Compromise of 1877?
Key figures included Rutherford B. Hayes, the Republican candidate; Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic candidate; and various congressional leaders who negotiated the terms.
How did the public react to the Compromise of 1877?
Public reaction was mixed; many Northerners were disillusioned with the compromise due to the perceived abandonment of African American rights, while many Southerners welcomed the end of federal intervention.
What role did the Electoral Commission play in the Compromise of 1877?
The Electoral Commission was created to resolve the disputed electoral votes and ultimately decided in favor of Hayes, paving the way for the Compromise to be negotiated.
What was the long-term impact of the Compromise of 1877 on U.S. politics?
The long-term impact included the solidification of the Democratic Party's dominance in the South, the establishment of systemic racism, and a delay in civil rights advancements for African Americans.
Is the Compromise of 1877 considered a turning point in U.S. history?
Yes, it is considered a turning point as it marked the end of Reconstruction and set the stage for nearly a century of racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.
