Significance: Became a national figure due to military success in the Civil War.
Southern Opposition: Poor support in the South; viewed as the enemy protecting freedmen's rights.
White southerners resent the military occupation and demand "home rule."
The Solid South
Definition: Phenomenon where white southerners overwhelmingly vote Democratic.
Political Loyalty: White southerners would vote for anyone but a Republican, reinforcing a long-term commitment to the Democratic Party.
Republicans associated with Abraham Lincoln and emancipation; Democrats became the party of white supremacy and segregation.
Electoral Trends: Electoral maps show persistent blue (Democratic) support in southern states over decades.
The shift away from the Democratic Party did not occur until the 1960s.
Scandals During Grant's Presidency
Impact: Various scandals, including fraud and money laundering among advisors, tarnish the Republican Party's reputation.
Voter Shift: Northern whites began leaving the Republican Party by the time of the 1876 election, leading to a split in voter support.
1876 Presidential Election
Candidates: Republican Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Democrat Samuel J. Tilden.
Electoral Map: Highly contested; significant allegations of voter fraud.
250,000 freedmen were allegedly denied the right to vote.
Tensions: Democrats threatened to march on Washington if Tilden was not elected.
Compromise of 1877
Outcome: Hayes takes office after a narrow decision (8-7) in Congress.
Demands from Democrats:
Federal Funding: Hayes agrees to send federal funds to help rebuild the South.
Withdrawal of Troops: Hayes promises to remove U.S. troops from the South.
Republican Demand: Southern leaders promised to protect rights of freedmen, which they ultimately did not fulfill.
Consequences
Perception: The Compromise of 1877 viewed by the black community as the 'great betrayal.'
End of Reconstruction: The withdrawal of federal troops led to increased violence and intimidation against freedmen, marking the conclusion of the Reconstruction era.