The Compromise of 1877 was an important moment in U.S. history that marked the end of a period known as Reconstruction. This agreement helped to settle a tough presidential election in 1876. In this election, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes faced Democrat Samuel J. Tilden.

Tilden won more votes from people, about 51% (4,288,546 votes), while Hayes got 48% (4,034,311 votes). However, Tilden did not have enough electoral votes to become president. The electoral map was divided: Tilden earned 184 electoral votes, and Hayes received 165, with 20 votes still in dispute.

Key Parts of the Compromise:

1. Solving Election Disputes:

   • To settle the disputed votes in Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, and Oregon, a group made up of members from both political parties created a commission.
   • This commission decided that Hayes would get all 20 disputed votes, giving him a total of 185 electoral votes, just ahead of Tilden’s 184.

2. Removing Federal Troops:

   • A big part of the Compromise was about pulling federal troops out of the South.
   • Back in 1865, over 400,000 soldiers were in the South to enforce laws and protect the rights of freed African Americans. By 1877, this number was much lower, and removing these troops gave Southern states more power.

3. Political Deals:

   • In return for the presidency, Hayes promised to put a Southern Democrat in his cabinet and to help improve things in the South, like roads and other infrastructure.
   • This was meant to make Southern Democrats happy and encourage cooperation.

Effects of the Compromise:

1. End of Reconstruction:

   • Pulling out federal troops marked the end of Reconstruction. This allowed Southern states to create laws that kept Black voters from voting.
   • By 1900, about 90% of eligible Black voters in the South had lost their right to vote because of Jim Crow laws and other unfair practices.

2. Rise of Jim Crow Laws:

   • The Compromise allowed Jim Crow laws to spread throughout the South, enforcing separation based on race and making life harder for African Americans.
   • From 1880 to 1910, many laws like literacy tests and poll taxes were created that restricted the rights of African Americans.

3. Political Divide:

   • This agreement deepened the divide between the North and South, creating lasting mistrust between the two.
   • Political parties began to represent different groups, with Democrats appealing to white Southerners and Republicans connecting more with Northern business people and African Americans.

In short, the Compromise of 1877 not only solved a voting crisis but also changed U.S. politics forever. By allowing federal troops to leave and letting unfair practices return, it led to a divided and segregated South, affecting political life for many years to come.