Why were many Southerners angered by the decision to award the 1876 election to Rutherford B. Hayes following several disputes regarding the electoral votes of Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana and Oregon?
A Many Democrats in these states were prevented from voting by violence
B African Americans in these states were disenfranchised by the use of literacy tests
C Tilden, the candidate supported by much of the South, won the popular vote
D Hayes, a supporter of high tariffs, was awarded the votes of unincorporated territories
A Many Democrats in these states were prevented from voting by violence
The correct answer is B. African Americans in these states were disenfranchised by the use of literacy tests.
Many Southerners were angered by the decision to award the 1876 election to Rutherford B. Hayes because African Americans in these states were disenfranchised by the use of literacy tests. These tests were used to restrict the voting rights of African Americans by requiring them to prove their ability to read and write, which many were unable to do. This suppression of African American voting power was seen as a direct attack on their civil rights and democratic participation.
The correct answer is A) Many Democrats in these states were prevented from voting by violence.
To understand why many Southerners were angered by the decision to award the 1876 election to Rutherford B. Hayes, it is crucial to know about the disputes regarding the electoral votes of Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Oregon.
Following the 1876 presidential election, there were several disputes over the electoral votes in these states. In the Southern states of Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana, there was widespread voter intimidation and violence that primarily targeted Democrats and African Americans.
In many Southern states, Democrats who opposed Hayes were prevented from voting through violent means. This included the use of threats, physical attacks, and even murder. African Americans, who predominantly supported the Democratic Party, were especially disenfranchised due to intimidation and the use of various tactics like literacy tests and poll taxes.
The anger among Southerners stemmed from the belief that their preferred candidate, Samuel J. Tilden, should have been awarded the presidency. Tilden had won the popular vote and garnered significant support from the Southern states.
In contrast, Hayes was seen as a supporter of high tariffs, which Southerners generally opposed. Also, the idea that Hayes was awarded the votes of unincorporated territories did not directly contribute to the anger among Southerners in relation to the election dispute.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) Many Democrats in these states were prevented from voting by violence.