The Compromise of 1877 was a significant event in American history and is considered to be the end of the Reconstruction Era. The Compromise of 1877 was a resolution to the presidential election of 1876 and the debate that surrounded it. The agreement had lasting impacts on the United States, particularly for African Americans in the South.
WHAT LED TO THE COMPROMISE OF 1877?
The presidential election of 1876 was one of the most contentious in all of American history. The two main candidates were Rutherford B. Hayes, a Republican, and Samuel J. Tilden, a Democrat. Tilden won the popular vote and initially appeared to have the electoral college as well. However, 20 electoral votes from four states—Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon—were disputed. As a result, both parties claimed victory in the disputed states, leading to a political stalemate.
To resolve the issue, Congress established an Electoral Commission in January of 1877. This commission consisted of 15 members: five from the House of Representatives, five from the Senate, and five from the Supreme Court. The commission ultimately awarded all 20 disputed electoral votes to Hayes, giving him a one-vote victory in the Electoral College, with 185 votes to Tilden’s 184. Behind the scenes, a deal was struck to ensure the peaceful transition of power. This informal agreement is known as the Compromise of 1877.
WHAT WAS THE COMPROMISE OF 1877?
As stated above, the Compromise of 1877 was an agreement following the 1876 presidential election. Ultimately, the agreement saw Democrats concede the presidency to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in exchange for several key points.
First, was the removal of federal troops from the Southern states. Republicans agreed to withdraw the remaining federal troops from the Southern states of South Carolina and Louisiana. These troops had been enforcing Reconstruction policies and protecting African American rights. Second, Hayes agreed to appoint at least one Southerner to his cabinet. This was intended to represent Southern interests and ensure their representation in the federal government. Third, Hayes promised to support federal aid for the construction of a transcontinental railroad through the South and other internal improvements. Finally, Republicans pledged to respect the self-determination of Southern states, effectively ending federal intervention in Southern politics and society.
IMPACTS OF THE COMPROMISE OF 1877
The Compromise of 1877 had several profound impacts on the people and history of the United States. The immediate impact was the inauguration of Rutherford B. Hayes as the 19th President of the United States. However, there were also long-term impacts which were also significant.
One of the main long-term impacts was that the Compromise of 1877 is viewed as the end of the Reconstruction Era in American history. In fact, the withdrawal of federal troops from the Southern states effectively marked the end of the Reconstruction Era. Without federal oversight, Southern states quickly moved to reverse many of the advancements made during Reconstruction, especially in relation to the lives of African Americans. Furthermore, with the federal government no longer enforcing Reconstruction policies, Southern states implemented ‘Jim Crow Laws’. These laws enforced racial segregation and discriminated against African Americans. This was a reversal of many of the goals of the Reconstruction Era.
As such, the Compromise of 1877 was a devastating blow to African Americans in the South. It led to the loss of political power, increased violence, and economic hardships. For example, African Americans faced widespread discrimination and were often denied their civil rights.
