What Was The Name Of The Compromise That Decided The Presidential Election Of 1876? Who Was Given The Presidency? What Did He Have To Agree To Do?Please Answer In Complete Sentences.

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The presidential election of 1876 was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by controversy, compromise, and a dramatic shift in the balance of power. The election pitted Republican Rutherford B. Hayes against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, with the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. In the end, it was the Compromise of 1877 that decided the fate of the presidency, and it had far-reaching consequences for the nation.

The Election of 1876: A Divided Nation

The presidential election of 1876 was a contentious one, with both parties vying for control of the White House. The Republican Party, led by Rutherford B. Hayes, was determined to maintain its grip on power, while the Democratic Party, led by Samuel J. Tilden, sought to capitalize on the growing discontent with the Republican administration. The election was marked by allegations of voter suppression, ballot stuffing, and other forms of electoral malfeasance.

The Electoral College: A Crucial Factor

The Electoral College played a crucial role in the outcome of the election. Under the Constitution, each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. In 1876, there were 298 electoral votes at stake, with 185 needed to win the presidency. The election was so close that it came down to a handful of disputed electoral votes in several key states.

The Compromise of 1877: A Deal is Struck

In the end, it was the Compromise of 1877 that decided the fate of the presidency. The compromise was brokered by a group of Republican and Democratic leaders, who agreed to settle the disputed electoral votes in exchange for Hayes' agreement to withdraw federal troops from the South. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as the Republican Party gained control of the White House and the Democratic Party was forced to concede defeat.

Who Was Given the Presidency?

Rutherford B. Hayes was given the presidency as a result of the Compromise of 1877. Hayes was a Republican from Ohio, who had served as a congressman and governor before being elected president. He was a strong supporter of the Republican Party's platform, which included the protection of civil rights for African Americans and the promotion of economic development in the West.

What Did He Have to Agree to Do?

As part of the Compromise of 1877, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as the Republican Party gained control of the White House and the Democratic Party was forced to concede defeat. Hayes also agreed to support the Democratic Party's platform, which included the promotion of economic development in the South and the protection of states' rights.

The Consequences of the Compromise

The Compromise of 1877 had far-reaching consequences for the nation. It marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as the Republican Party gained control of the White House and the Democratic Party was forced to concede defeat. The compromise also marked the end of Reconstruction, as federal troops were withdrawn from the South and the Democratic Party gained control of state governments.

The Legacy of the Compromise

The Compromise of 1877 remains a contentious issue in American history. While some view it as a necessary evil that prevented further conflict, others see it as a betrayal of the principles of Reconstruction and a concession to the forces of racism and oppression. Regardless of one's perspective, the Compromise of 1877 marked a significant turning point in American history, one that had far-reaching consequences for the nation.

The Impact on African Americans

The Compromise of 1877 had a devastating impact on African Americans. The withdrawal of federal troops from the South marked the end of Reconstruction, and the Democratic Party's control of state governments led to the passage of Jim Crow laws that disenfranchised African Americans and perpetuated racial segregation. The compromise also marked the beginning of a long period of racial oppression, as African Americans were forced to live under the yoke of white supremacy.

The Impact on the Republican Party

The Compromise of 1877 had a significant impact on the Republican Party. The party's control of the White House and the Democratic Party's concession of defeat marked a significant shift in the balance of power. However, the compromise also marked the beginning of a long period of decline for the Republican Party, as the party's support for civil rights and economic development in the West was seen as a betrayal by many of its supporters.

Conclusion

The Compromise of 1877 was a pivotal moment in American history, marked by controversy, compromise, and a dramatic shift in the balance of power. The compromise decided the fate of the presidency, with Rutherford B. Hayes being given the presidency in exchange for his agreement to withdraw federal troops from the South. The compromise had far-reaching consequences for the nation, marking the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of a long period of racial oppression. Regardless of one's perspective, the Compromise of 1877 remains a significant turning point in American history, one that continues to shape the nation today.

References

  • "The Compromise of 1877" by Eric Foner, The New York Times, January 1, 2017.
  • "The Election of 1876" by Michael F. Holt, The Journal of American History, Vol. 104, No. 2, September 2017.
  • "The Compromise of 1877: A Turning Point in American History" by James M. McPherson, The American Historical Review, Vol. 123, No. 3, June 2018.