The Compromise of 1877 Explained: US History Review

Summary

The video script delves into the Compromise of 1877, a pivotal moment in American history that ended Reconstruction and led to the disenfranchisement of African-Americans for decades. It discusses the contested 1876 presidential election between Samuel Tilden and Rutherford B. Hayes, with a focus on the electoral commission's decision, which awarded Hayes the presidency. The compromise involved removing Union troops from the South, effectively ending federal enforcement of African-American rights, and is referred to as the 'Great Betrayal' due to its significant impact on civil liberties.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Compromise of 1877, also known as the great betrayal, was a pivotal event that led to the end of Reconstruction and had significant implications for African-American rights.
• 🗳️ The presidential election of 1876 was contested, with Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican) and Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat) as the main candidates, resulting in a very close Electoral College vote.
• 🏺 Tilden, a New York Democrat, supported limited federal government intervention and was critical of Lincoln's perceived central government tyranny, aligning with states' rights.
• 🏭 Hayes, from Ohio, was a Republican interested in industrialization, tariffs, and big business, not necessarily a champion of civil rights amendments.
• 🤝 The Electoral Commission, composed of more Republicans than Democrats, was set up to decide the outcome of the election in three disputed Southern states.
• 🚩 The Compromise of 1877 involved an unofficial deal that resulted in Hayes winning all three disputed states, thus securing his presidency.
• 🏋️‍♂️ One of the conditions of the compromise was the removal of Union troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and federal enforcement of African-American rights.
• 🚫 The compromise marked the beginning of the Jim Crow era, where African-Americans lost many of the civil liberties they had been fighting for.
• 🤝 The South gained some concessions as part of the deal, including a Southerner in Hayes' administration and funding for industrial projects, although some promises were not fulfilled.
• 🗳️ Despite Tilden winning the popular vote by 300,000 votes, the Electoral College vote determined the presidency, highlighting the importance of the Electoral College in U.S. elections.

Q & A

What is the Compromise of 1877?

The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that ended the disputed U.S. presidential election of 1876. It led to Rutherford B. Hayes becoming president in exchange for the removal of Union troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.

Why is the Compromise of 1877 referred to as 'The Great Betrayal'?

It is called 'The Great Betrayal' because it resulted in the removal of federal protection for African Americans in the South, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and widespread disenfranchisement, essentially undoing the gains made during Reconstruction.

Who were the two main candidates in the 1876 presidential election?

The two main candidates were Rutherford B. Hayes, a Republican from Ohio, and Samuel Tilden, a Democrat from New York.

What was the key issue with the election results in 1876?

The election results were contested because three Southern states (Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina) had unclear results. These states still had Union troops stationed there, and both candidates claimed victory in those states.

What role did African American voters play in the 1876 election?

African American voters played a significant role, particularly in the Southern states, where their votes were crucial. However, their voting was suppressed by violence and intimidation from groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

How was the election dispute of 1876 resolved?

An electoral commission was formed, consisting of eight Republicans and seven Democrats. They awarded the disputed states' electoral votes to Rutherford B. Hayes, giving him the victory.

What was one key outcome of the Compromise of 1877 for the South?

One key outcome was the removal of Union troops from the South, which allowed Southern states to reassert control over their governments and enact Jim Crow laws that oppressed African Americans.

How did the Compromise of 1877 affect the rights of African Americans?

The Compromise led to the end of federal enforcement of the 14th and 15th Amendments, which had granted African Americans citizenship and the right to vote. This ushered in an era of disenfranchisement and segregation.

What role did Rutherford B. Hayes play in the Compromise of 1877?

Hayes became president as a result of the Compromise, agreeing to remove federal troops from the South, which effectively ended Reconstruction.

Why is the 1876 election notable in terms of the popular vote?

The 1876 election is notable because Samuel Tilden won the popular vote by about 300,000 votes, but Rutherford B. Hayes won the presidency through the Electoral College, highlighting the disparity between the popular vote and the electoral system.