Compromise of 1877

Definition

The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that resolved the disputed 1876 presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden, ultimately resulting in Hayes's ascension to the presidency. This compromise marked the end of Reconstruction in the South, as part of the deal included the withdrawal of federal troops from Southern states, leading to the re-establishment of white Democratic control over those states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Compromise of 1877 was primarily an agreement between Republican and Democratic leaders to resolve the contested election results, which were marked by allegations of voter fraud and intimidation.
2. As a result of this compromise, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from Louisiana and South Carolina, effectively ending Reconstruction and allowing Democrats to regain control.
3. The withdrawal of federal troops led to the rapid implementation of laws that restricted the rights of African Americans in the South, paving the way for the Jim Crow era.
4. The Compromise is often seen as a betrayal of African American civil rights, as it prioritized political stability over the protection of rights gained during Reconstruction.
5. The agreement did not include formal provisions for protecting African American voting rights or civil liberties, which allowed systemic racism to flourish in Southern society.

Review Questions

• How did the Compromise of 1877 affect African American civil rights in the South?
  • The Compromise of 1877 had a devastating impact on African American civil rights as it led to the withdrawal of federal troops from Southern states. This removal allowed white Democrats to regain control and implement laws that severely restricted African Americans' rights, such as Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchisement. The compromise effectively ended any federal support for civil rights that had been established during Reconstruction.
• What were the political implications of the Compromise of 1877 for both major parties involved?
  • The political implications of the Compromise of 1877 were significant for both Republicans and Democrats. For Republicans, securing the presidency through Hayes solidified their power but at a great cost, as they had to abandon their commitment to Reconstruction policies. For Democrats, this compromise not only restored their dominance in Southern politics but also allowed them to implement oppressive measures against African Americans. The arrangement created a legacy of racial division that would last for generations.
• Evaluate how the Compromise of 1877 represents a turning point in American history regarding race relations and governance.
  • The Compromise of 1877 represents a critical turning point in American history because it signified a shift from Reconstruction's initial efforts to promote racial equality towards an era marked by systemic racism and oppression. By prioritizing political expediency over civil rights, this agreement set a precedent for governance that sidelined African American voices and rights. The subsequent establishment of Jim Crow laws illustrated how quickly progress could be reversed when federal support was withdrawn, ultimately reshaping race relations in America for decades to come.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the United States undertook efforts to reintegrate Southern states into the Union and address the rights of freed slaves.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the South after Reconstruction that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans.

Rutherford B. Hayes: The 19th President of the United States, whose election was part of the Compromise of 1877, resulting in significant political shifts in the post-Civil War era.