The American Presidential Election of 1876

The 1876 presidential election was highly controversial, with Rutherford Hayes and Samuel Tilden as the main candidates. Ulysses Grant chose not to run for a third term due to scandals and economic issues. The Greenback Party emerged as a third option. The election results were disputed, leading to the Compromise of 1877, which ended Reconstruction. Hayes won with the smallest electoral margin, despite Tilden winning the popular vote. This election raised questions about the electoral college and had significant historical impacts.

Why did President Ulysses Grant decide not to run for a third term?

• His administration faced accusations of corruption and scandals.

• He was tired of politics.

• He was offered a better position elsewhere.

• He wanted to focus on his family.

What was Samuel Tilden known for as a Democrat?

• Supporting imperialism

• Being a Bourbon Democrat

• Opposing the gold standard

• Advocating for high tariffs

What was the main goal of the Greenback Party?

• To promote free trade

• To support the gold standard

• To encourage inflation through printing paper money

• To advocate for imperialism

Which states had disputed electoral votes in the 1876 election?

• Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan

• Texas, California, New York, and Georgia

• Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, and South Carolina

• Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi

What was the Compromise of 1877?

• A pact to increase tariffs

• An agreement to end the Civil War

• A deal to withdraw federal troops from the South

• A treaty with foreign nations

What was unique about the 1876 presidential election?

• It was the first election held in the 20th century.

• The candidate with the most popular votes did not win the presidency.

• It had the lowest voter turnout in history.

• It was the first election with a female candidate.

How did the 1876 election impact the electoral college system?

• It was praised for its fairness.

• It resulted in no changes.

• It caused people to question its effectiveness.

• It led to its immediate abolition.