How was it possible the Hayes won the election of 1876?
To understand how Rutherford B. Hayes won the election of 1876, we need to look at the historical context and the unique circumstances surrounding this election. The 1876 presidential election was one of the most fiercely contested and controversial elections in U.S. history. Here's an explanation of why and how Hayes emerged as the victor:
1. Background: The United States was recovering from the aftermath of the Civil War and Reconstruction period. The election of 1876 took place during a time of political tension and turmoil, particularly concerning the rights and treatment of African Americans.
2. Candidates: The main candidates in the election were Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote but fell short of the majority needed in the Electoral College.
3. Electoral Count: The election boiled down to disputed electoral votes from Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon. These states had two different sets of electoral votes submitted by rival factions, leading to great confusion and contention in determining the true winners.
4. Electoral Commission: To resolve the dispute, a special Electoral Commission was established by Congress, consisting of ten members from both Republicans and Democrats and five Supreme Court justices. The commission was tasked with determining the outcome of the disputed votes.
5. Compromise of 1877: As the year-long dispute continued, a political compromise emerged. Known as the Compromise of 1877, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and allowing Democrats to regain control in the region. In return, Democrats would not challenge Hayes's victory.
6. Hayes's Victory: The Electoral Commission, which had a Republican majority, ultimately awarded all the disputed electoral votes to Hayes, giving him the majority he needed to become president. Hayes won with 185 electoral votes against Tilden's 184.
In summary, Rutherford B. Hayes won the election of 1876 due to the resolution of disputed electoral votes and the Compromise of 1877, which secured Republican support for his victory in exchange for ending Reconstruction. The election marked a pivotal moment in American history and had significant implications for the Reconstruction era.
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