Compromise of 1877

Definition

The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that settled the disputed 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden. It marked the end of Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South, effectively allowing Southern states to re-establish white Democratic control, which resulted in the disenfranchisement of African Americans and the establishment of Jim Crow laws. This agreement is crucial in understanding how the Reconstruction era ultimately failed to achieve lasting racial equality and civil rights for freedmen.

Historical Context

The Compromise of 1877 was a political agreement that resolved the intensely disputed 1876 U.S. presidential election. The country was still grappling with post-Civil War reconstruction, and the election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden ended with contested results in several states. Key figures included Hayes, Tilden, and members of Congress who formed an informal Electoral Commission to navigate the impasse.

Historical Significance

The Freeport Doctrine significantly impacted the Democratic Party, contributing to its split and weakening prior to the 1860 presidential election. It attempted to allow territories to exclude slavery despite the Supreme Court's ruling, thus alienating Southern Democrats. This doctrine played a role in framing the political discourse around states' rights and slavery, setting the stage for the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Compromise of 1877 resolved the election crisis by granting Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the Southern states.
2. This withdrawal allowed Southern Democrats to regain political power, which they used to impose racial segregation through Jim Crow laws.
3. The agreement was reached following intense negotiations involving key political leaders, but it was never formally legislated or documented.
4. The Compromise effectively ended federal efforts to protect the civil rights of African Americans in the South, leading to decades of disenfranchisement and systemic racism.
5. Many historians view the Compromise of 1877 as a turning point that marked the failure of Reconstruction and a regression in civil rights for African Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Compromise of 1877 impact African Americans' rights in the South?
  • The Compromise of 1877 had a devastating impact on African Americans' rights in the South by leading to the withdrawal of federal troops that were protecting their civil rights. This allowed Southern Democrats to regain control and implement Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised black citizens. The end of federal oversight meant that African Americans faced increased violence and discrimination without legal protections.
• Discuss the political motivations behind the Compromise of 1877 and how it reflected broader national issues at that time.
  • The political motivations behind the Compromise of 1877 stemmed from the need to resolve a contentious presidential election while addressing competing interests between Northern Republicans and Southern Democrats. The Republican Party wanted to ensure a peaceful transfer of power while appeasing Southern interests, which were pushing for an end to Reconstruction. This compromise not only settled a political crisis but also reflected broader national issues such as economic challenges, regional tensions, and shifting attitudes toward civil rights during a post-Civil War America.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Compromise of 1877 on American society and politics into the 20th century.
  • The long-term effects of the Compromise of 1877 on American society and politics were profound, as it set the stage for nearly a century of racial segregation and disenfranchisement in the South. By allowing white Democrats to reclaim power, it facilitated an era characterized by systemic racism, violence against African Americans, and a lack of political representation. This compromise delayed civil rights advancements until the mid-20th century, showcasing how decisions made in one political context can have lasting consequences for societal structures and race relations in America.

Related terms

Reconstruction:

The period after the Civil War during which the United States attempted to address the inequalities faced by African Americans and rebuild the Southern states.

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the South after the Compromise of 1877 that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans.

Disputed Election of 1876: The controversial presidential election in which both Hayes and Tilden claimed victory, leading to a political crisis that ultimately resulted in the Compromise of 1877.