Compromise of 1877 facts for kids

The Compromise of 1877 was an important, unwritten agreement that helped settle the very close 1876 United States presidential election. This deal led to the U.S. government taking its last troops out of the Southern states. It also officially marked the end of the Reconstruction Era in American history.

Through this Compromise, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes became president. He won over the Democrat candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. The agreement was that Hayes would remove the federal troops. These troops had been helping to support Republican state governments in South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana.

Democrats, who controlled the House of Representatives, agreed to accept the decision of the Electoral Commission. This commission was set up to decide the election. The president at the time, Republican Ulysses S. Grant, started by removing soldiers from Florida. Once Hayes became president, he removed the remaining troops from South Carolina and Louisiana. After the troops left, many white Republicans also moved away. Then, "Redeemer" Democrats took control of these states. They already controlled most other Southern state governments. Exactly what was agreed upon is still debated today because there isn't much written proof.

Many Black Republicans felt let down by this compromise. They lost their political power and faced unfair treatment. They also experienced harassment to stop them from voting. By the early 1900s, most Black people in the South were effectively prevented from voting. This happened even though they were the majority in some states.

What Was Agreed?

The Compromise basically meant that Southern Democrats would accept Hayes as president. But they would only do this if Republicans met certain demands. Here are the main points that are generally believed to have been part of the deal:

• All U.S. military forces would be removed from the former Confederate states. At that time, U.S. troops were only left in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida. The Compromise completed their removal from the entire region.
• At least one Southern Democrat would be appointed to Hayes's group of advisors (his cabinet). David M. Key from Tennessee was chosen as the Postmaster General.
• Another transcontinental railroad would be built in the South. This railroad would use the Texas and Pacific route. This idea was part of a plan suggested by Thomas A. Scott.
• New laws would be passed to help the South become more industrial. These laws would also help its economy recover after Reconstruction and the Civil War.
• Southern states would have the right to manage their own affairs regarding Black citizens. This meant less interference from the North.

In return for these promises, Democrats agreed not to use a filibuster (a way to delay a vote) during the joint meeting of Congress. This meeting was needed to confirm the election results.

What Happened Next?

After the Compromise, some Democrats complained loudly. They felt that Tilden had been cheated out of the presidency. There was even talk of forming armed groups to march on Washington. However, President Grant was prepared for this. He increased military security, and no one marched on Washington.

Hayes was peacefully sworn into office. The first two points of the compromise were carried out. Hayes had already said he supported "home rule" for the South before the election. This meant removing federal troops. It was also common for a president, especially one who won by a small margin, to pick a cabinet member favored by the other political party. Points 3 and 4 of the compromise were never put into action. It's possible there wasn't a strong agreement about them.

Whether it was a formal deal or just reassurances that matched Hayes's plans, talks with Southern Democrats eased many worries. This prevented a Congressional filibuster. Such a delay could have pushed the election decision past Inauguration Day in 1877.

Images for kids

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  A political cartoon by Joseph Keppler shows Roscoe Conkling as a character named Mephistopheles (like the Devil). Meanwhile, Rutherford B. Hayes walks away with the "Solid South" (shown as a woman) as his prize. The caption quotes Goethe: "Unto that Power he doth belong Which only doeth Right while ever willing Wrong.".

See also

In Spanish: Compromiso de 1877 para niños