Compromise of 1877

Definition

The Compromise of 1877 was an unwritten deal that settled the disputed 1876 presidential election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. In exchange for Hayes winning the presidency, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. This compromise marked a significant shift in U.S. politics and had lasting impacts on race relations and governance in the Southern states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Compromise of 1877 was essential in determining the outcome of the contentious 1876 election, where Tilden won the popular vote but lost in the Electoral College.
2. As part of the compromise, federal troops were withdrawn from South Carolina and Louisiana, leading to a power vacuum that allowed Southern Democrats to regain control.
3. This deal effectively ended the Reconstruction era, leading to widespread implementation of Jim Crow laws across the South.
4. The withdrawal of federal support for African American civil rights allowed for increased violence and discrimination against Black communities in the South.
5. The Compromise of 1877 set a precedent for future political compromises that would prioritize party power over civil rights issues.

Review Questions

• How did the Compromise of 1877 influence the political landscape in the United States following its implementation?
  • The Compromise of 1877 significantly altered the political landscape by effectively ending Reconstruction and enabling Southern Democrats to regain political power. The withdrawal of federal troops allowed these Democrats to impose their rule, leading to widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans and institutionalized segregation through Jim Crow laws. This compromise created a legacy of racial division and undermined efforts towards civil rights for decades.
• Discuss how the Compromise of 1877 affected African Americans' rights and social status in the South.
  • The Compromise of 1877 had devastating effects on African Americans in the South as it marked the end of federal enforcement of civil rights protections. With federal troops gone, Southern states quickly enacted discriminatory laws that disenfranchised Black voters and enforced racial segregation. This led to systemic oppression and a significant regression in civil rights that would last well into the 20th century.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Compromise of 1877 on American society, particularly regarding race relations and political dynamics.
  • The long-term consequences of the Compromise of 1877 are profound, as it not only solidified white supremacy in Southern politics but also set back civil rights advancements for African Americans. The establishment of Jim Crow laws institutionalized segregation and discrimination, creating enduring racial tensions that resonate in contemporary society. Politically, this compromise demonstrated how party interests could overshadow moral imperatives, shaping future electoral strategies and compromises that often marginalized minority voices.

Related terms

Reconstruction: The period following the Civil War during which the United States sought to reintegrate the Southern states and redefine African Americans' rights and status.

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

Plessy v. Ferguson: The landmark Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.