Why would former slaves and Radical Republicans describe the state of affairs following the Compromise of 1877 as “worse than slavery”? Support, refute, or modify this claim using historical evidence.

i just need help starting this paper and i also don't know what the topics of the 3 body paragraphs should be about.

Thank you

Start your paper by researching the Compromise of 1877. Start with your text.

Then read these articles.

http://www.american-historama.org/1866-1881-reconstruction-era/compromise-of-1877.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compromise_of_1877

http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h396.html

Take notes on all that you're learning.

Then, devise a tentative thesis statement. This site has excellent advice.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

To begin your paper on why former slaves and Radical Republicans described the state of affairs following the Compromise of 1877 as "worse than slavery," it is essential to explain the context. The Compromise of 1877 refers to a political agreement that ended the Reconstruction era and effectively withdrew federal troops from the South. This compromise led to significant political and social consequences that many argue had detrimental effects for African Americans.

To structure your paper, you can consider the following three body paragraphs:

1. Introduction and Background:
Start by providing necessary background information about the Compromise of 1877 and its causes. Discuss the state of affairs during the Reconstruction period, describing the progress made for civil rights and political representation of African Americans. Mention the expectations of former slaves and Radical Republicans for a more equitable society.

2. Support for the Claim:
In this paragraph, present historical evidence to support the claim that the state of affairs following the Compromise of 1877 was worse than slavery. Focus on the erosion of civil rights and the reestablishment of white supremacy in the South after federal troops were removed. Discuss the rise of discriminatory practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and segregation laws. Cite specific examples like the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation, disfranchisement of black voters, and widespread violence against African Americans.

3. Refutation of Counterarguments:
In this paragraph, address any counterarguments that may arise against the claim. For instance, opponents might argue that slavery was an inherently brutal and dehumanizing institution, making it impossible for conditions after the Compromise of 1877 to be worse. Acknowledge this perspective and explain why former slaves and Radical Republicans still saw the post-compromise period as worse. Emphasize the loss of hard-fought civil rights gained during Reconstruction and the denial of basic political and economic opportunities for African Americans.

4. Analysis and Conclusion:
In the final paragraph, offer your analysis based on the evidence presented. Discuss the reasons behind the perception that the state of affairs after the Compromise of 1877 was worse than slavery. Consider social, political, and economic factors that contributed to this perception. Conclude by reaffirming the claim while acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

Remember, this is just a suggestion for structuring your paper. Feel free to modify it based on your research and the arguments you want to put forward. Also, ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a logical flow of ideas to strengthen your argument.