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, resulting in Hayes's presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This compromise marked a significant turning point in American history, effectively ending Reconstruction and leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Compromise of 1877 came after a highly contentious election where Tilden won the popular vote but Hayes was awarded the presidency after negotiations.
2. The agreement included the withdrawal of federal troops from Louisiana and South Carolina, which allowed Southern Democrats to regain control of these states.
3. The end of Reconstruction as a result of this compromise led to a significant setback for civil rights and protections for African Americans in the South.
4. It also resulted in an informal agreement among political leaders that would prioritize white supremacy in governance over the rights of Black citizens.
5. The Compromise established a pattern for future political compromises that often neglected civil rights issues, setting a precedent for decades of systemic racism.

Review Questions

• What were the key conditions of the Compromise of 1877, and how did they impact Reconstruction efforts?
  • The key conditions of the Compromise of 1877 included Rutherford B. Hayes being declared president in exchange for withdrawing federal troops from Southern states. This decision significantly undermined Reconstruction efforts, as it allowed Southern states to regain control without federal oversight. The withdrawal led to the immediate dismantling of many Reconstruction policies aimed at protecting African American rights, paving the way for oppressive laws and practices that marginalized Black citizens.
• Analyze how the Compromise of 1877 set the stage for Jim Crow laws in the South.
  • The Compromise of 1877 effectively ended Reconstruction by allowing Southern Democrats to reclaim power without federal intervention. This shift enabled them to implement Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans. The absence of federal troops meant there was no one to challenge these oppressive laws, leading to a systematic erosion of civil rights for Black individuals and reinforcing white supremacy throughout Southern society.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Compromise of 1877 on American society and race relations.
  • The long-term consequences of the Compromise of 1877 were profound, leading to nearly a century of institutionalized racism through Jim Crow laws that disenfranchised African Americans and enforced segregation. This agreement not only signified a retreat from civil rights but also laid a foundation for enduring racial tensions in America. The repercussions were felt across generations, shaping social dynamics, political structures, and civil rights movements well into the 20th century as activists sought to overturn the injustices solidified by this compromise.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the United States aimed to reintegrate Southern states into the Union and address the rights of newly freed African Americans.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the Civil Rights Movement.

Rutherford B. Hayes: The 19th President of the United States, whose election in 1876 was contested and ultimately resolved by the Compromise of 1877.