The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement that settled the disputed 1876 presidential election between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. The election was one of the most contentious in American history, with Tilden winning the popular vote and initially appearing to have won the Electoral College, but the results in several states were contested.
The compromise resulted in Hayes being awarded the presidency in exchange for a series of concessions to the Democrats, including:
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Withdrawal of Federal Troops: The federal government agreed to withdraw its remaining troops from the South, effectively ending the Reconstruction era.
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Home Rule for the South: Southern states were given more autonomy in managing their own affairs, leading to the establishment of "Jim Crow" laws and the disenfranchisement of African American voters.
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Federal Support for Southern Infrastructure: Hayes promised to support federal funding for domestic projects in the South, such as railroads.
This compromise marked the end of Reconstruction and had long-lasting repercussions on race relations in the United States, contributing to decades of segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the South.