How Did Rutherford B Hayes Ascend To The Us Presidency And Culminate The Reconstruction Era

In January 1877, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as Congress established an Electoral Commission to resolve the contentious presidential election of 1876. This commission, comprising eight Republicans and seven Democrats, played a crucial role in determining the outcome. Ultimately, by a narrow margin of eight to seven, the commission awarded all the contested electoral votes in favor of Rutherford B. Hayes. This decision solidified Hayes’ electoral victory, resulting in a final electoral vote of 185 to 184 in his favor. This event marked the culmination of a heated political battle and paved the way for Hayes to assume the presidency.

The Compromise of 1877 played a pivotal role in signaling the commencement of the decline of Reconstruction. In this compromise, the Democratic Party, who had control over the House of Representatives, acquiesced to the decision of the Electoral Commission. This decision ultimately solidified Rutherford B. Hayes’s authority as the President, marking a significant political shift. Additionally, as part of the compromise, the remaining federal troops were withdrawn from the Southern United States. This withdrawal effectively spelled the end of the Reconstruction Era, marking a turning point in American history as it signified the withdrawal of federal support for enforcing civil rights and rebuilding the Southern states after the Civil War.