A Political Compromise Ends Reconstruction
Explain how the Compromise of 1877 ended Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South, allowing Democrats to dismantle Reconstruction governments in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
By the mid 1870s, Northern support for Reconstruction was fading. A severe economic depression, the Panic of 1873 , and political scandals shifted the nation's focus away from the South. Many Americans grew tired of the effort and expense of maintaining federal authority there.
The disputed presidential election of 1876 led to the Compromise of 1877 . In this informal deal, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes became president. In return, he removed all remaining federal troops from the South. This withdrawal marked the end of Reconstruction, allowing white Democratic "Redeemer" governments to regain control.
Common Questions
What ended Reconstruction in 1877?
The Compromise of 1877 resolved the disputed 1876 election by giving the presidency to Republican Hayes in exchange for withdrawing federal troops from the South.
How did the Panic of 1873 weaken Reconstruction?
A severe economic depression shifted Northern attention away from Southern civil rights to economic recovery, reducing support for maintaining federal control in the South.
What happened to African American rights after Reconstruction ended?
Without federal troops to protect them, Southern states dismantled Reconstruction governments and enacted laws restricting African American voting and civil rights.