Overview
The 1876 U.S. presidential election between Rutherford Hayes and Samuel Tilden was one of the most disputed and controversial elections in American history, leading to significant political compromise and ending Reconstruction.
Candidates and Parties
- Ulysses S. Grant considered, but declined, running for a third term due to scandals and economic crisis.
- Republicans nominated Rutherford Hayes (Ohio governor, Civil War hero, reformer) with William Wheeler (NY representative) as VP.
- Democrats nominated Samuel J. Tilden (NY governor, Bourbon Democrat) with Thomas Hendricks (Indiana governor) as VP.
- The new Greenback Party, promoting inflation and anti-monopoly, nominated Peter Cooper (85 years old, oldest nominee) and Samuel Fenton Cary.
Election Context and Campaign
- The country was experiencing the economic downturn known as the Panic of 1873.
- Both major candidates did little personal campaigning, leaving efforts to supporters.
- Colorado participated for the first time, with its legislature (Republican-controlled) appointing electors; last time any U.S. state used this method.
Election Results and Dispute
- Initial results showed Tilden leading with 184 of 185 needed electoral votes and a 250,000 popular vote advantage.
- Accusations of voter suppression, fraud, and manipulation surfaced in multiple southern states.
- 20 electoral votes in Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, and South Carolina were disputed.
Resolution and Compromise
- Congress formed a 15-member Electoral Commission (five Representatives, five Senators, five Supreme Court Justices) to resolve disputes.
- Justice David Davis, seen as an independent, recused himself and was replaced by Justice Joseph Bradley, who sided with Republicans.
- The commission awarded all disputed votes to Hayes by an 8-7 partisan decision.
Aftermath and Historical Significance
- To appease Democrats, Republicans agreed to withdraw all federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction (Compromise of 1877).
- Hayes won with 185 electoral votes to Tilden's 184, the closest margin in history.
- Tilden won the popular vote by over 250,000 and was the only candidate with over 50% of the popular vote to lose the presidency.
- The result intensified criticism of the Electoral College system.
- This election had record voter turnout and was the last before Reconstruction ended.
Decisions
- Hayes declared president after Electoral Commission ruling
- Republicans agree to remove federal troops from South (Compromise of 1877)
Key Dates / Deadlines
- November 7, 1876: Election held
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Ongoing debate and questioning about the legitimacy and fairness of the Electoral College system after this election.