What Was Not a Part of the Agreement in the Compromise of 1877
The Compromise of 1877 is a historical agreement that resolved the disputed 1876 United States presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden. It was a crucial moment in American history, as it marked the end of the Reconstruction era and the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. While the Compromise of 1877 included several provisions, there were some key things that were not a part of the agreement.
One thing that was not a part of the Compromise of 1877 was a guarantee of civil rights for African Americans. Although the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution had been ratified after the Civil War, many states in the South had implemented discriminatory laws and practices that limited the rights of African Americans. The Compromise of 1877 did not address these issues, leaving the fate of black Americans in the hands of state and local governments.
Another thing that was not a part of the Compromise of 1877 was any mention of the growing issue of segregation. As white supremacists gained power in the South, they began to implement laws and customs that enforced the separation of races in public spaces and institutions. The Compromise of 1877 did not touch on this issue, allowing segregation to become entrenched in American society for decades to come.
Furthermore, the Compromise of 1877 did not address the economic concerns of poor and working-class Americans, particularly in the South. The end of Reconstruction led to a shift in power towards wealthy elites, who often controlled the region`s resources and institutions. This disparity between rich and poor was not addressed in the Compromise of 1877, leaving many Americans vulnerable to the whims of economic power brokers.
In conclusion, while the Compromise of 1877 was a pivotal moment in American history, it did not address all of the pressing issues facing the nation at the time. The lack of guarantees for civil rights, the failure to address segregation, and the neglect of economic concerns were among the most significant omissions from the agreement. As a result, these issues continued to plague the country for decades to come, and their effects are still felt today.