How did the disputed election of 1876 lead to the end of Reconstruction?
The disputed election of 1876 played a significant role in bringing about the end of Reconstruction, which was a period of political and social change in the United States after the Civil War. To understand how this happened, we need to examine the context and events surrounding the election.
To get a clearer picture, let's start with the background. Reconstruction began after the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the Southern states and integrate the newly freed African Americans into society. It involved implementing federal policies and amendments, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, to grant civil rights to African Americans and protect their right to vote.
The election of 1876 was a highly contested presidential election between Republican candidate Rutherford Hayes and Democratic candidate Samuel Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote but fell one vote short of the majority in the Electoral College. Several Southern states, including Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, had disputed results, leading to accusations of voter fraud, voter suppression, and violence.
To resolve the electoral dispute, a special electoral commission was established, consisting of members from the House, Senate, and Supreme Court. The commission was composed of 15 members - five from the House, five from the Senate, and five from the Supreme Court, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, with one independent.
Now, let's see how this election dispute led to the end of Reconstruction:
1. The Compromise of 1877: As the dispute over the electoral votes continued, both Democrats and Republicans engaged in negotiations to resolve the issue. Eventually, a compromise was reached known as the Compromise of 1877. According to the compromise, Hayes would be declared the winner, but in exchange, the Republicans would withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.
2. Removal of Federal Troops: With the withdrawal of federal troops, Southern Democrats regained control over their state governments. This allowed them to dismantle the progress made during Reconstruction, such as enforcing segregation, passing laws to restrict voting rights, and suppressing African Americans politically and socially.
3. Rise of Jim Crow Laws: Following the end of Reconstruction, Southern states started implementing a series of laws known as "Jim Crow" laws. These racial segregation laws were aimed at disenfranchising African Americans, segregating public facilities, and creating a system of legal racial discrimination.
4. Supreme Court Rulings: The Supreme Court also played a role in undermining Reconstruction efforts. Through decisions such as the Slaughter-House Cases and the United States v. Cruikshank, the Court limited the interpretation and enforcement of federal laws that protected civil rights, giving more power to the states.
In summary, the disputed election of 1876 provided the opportunity for the Compromise of 1877, which led to the end of Reconstruction. This withdrawal of federal troops from the South allowed Southern Democrats to regain control and dismantle the progress made during Reconstruction, ultimately leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and the widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans.
Check the first part of this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1876