Hayes – Tilden Election Versus Hayes – Tilden Election PowerPoint Presentation Created By: Anika Katkich and Talia Peccon

Who were the two main candidates? Name: Rutherford B. Hayes Party: Republican Name: Samuel J. Tilden Party: Democrat

Rutherford Hayes Background Information: He was born on October 4, 1822 in Delaware, Ohio. He first served in the House of Representatives from 1865 – 1867. A year later, he became governor of Ohio (1868 – 1876). Famously known for its outcome, he was elected the 19th President of the United States of America (1877 – 1881). He successfully terminated all post-Civil War acts in the South. Hayes technically lost based purely on popular votes (4,036,298). He eventually overpowered his opponent, winning with more electoral votes (185). Therefore, he immediately assumed his role as President.

Samuel Tilden Background Information: He was born on February 9, 1814 in New Lebanon, New York. He held the position of governor of New York for approximately one year (1875 – 1876). Tilden clearly received the vast majority of the popular votes (4,300,590). He, though, lost by essentially one electoral vote (184).

Definitions: Popular vote  The total votes of a country’s capable, qualified citizens Ballots  Specific paper used to cast one’s vote Electoral College  Consists of elected members that represent each state Electoral Vote  A vote casted by a state’s representative, who is part of the Electoral College *The overall selections made by the Electoral College, in the end, determines the winner of the election.*

Brief Summary of the Election’s Events: After the first returns, the victory appeared to be Tilden’s. In essence, he was leading in popular and electoral votes, almost guaranteeing him the presidency. These results, though, could change quite quickly, for three Southern states and one western state had not cast their votes yet. Republicans and Democrats clashed over who was victorious. The Republican’s electoral board declared that the Democrats utilized fraud, violence, and intimidation when dealing with Southern states.

Continued Summary: Oregon’s governor complicated matters further. He casted a vote for Tilden, since he, himself, was a Democrat, instead of voting for Hayes, who definitely deserved the vote. Since the Constitution did not provide a solution to this dilemma, the lengthy dispute causes Congress to create an Electoral Commission (senators, representatives, and supreme court justices). Party affiliation was SUPPOSED to be equally split, where there would have been seven Republicans, seven Democrats, and one independent.

Continued Summary: Party line votes prevail. Senate announces Hayes is to be inaugurated, for he is our upcoming President. Southern Democrats form a deal with Hayes. One with several conditions. - Fund Southern internal improvements - End Reconstruction

Possible Theory of Controversy: According to the Republicans, they believe that Democrats were using fraud, violence, and intimidation to claim victory for their candidate. Constitution did not provide any guidance in order to solve this situation.

Tactics Used to Resolve the Election Disagreements: The Constitution did not describe a way in which to solve this ongoing disagreement. In December of 1876, the House of Representatives and Senate created an Electoral Commission composed of fifteen men. There were a total of five senators, five house representatives, and five Supreme Court justices. The Electoral Commission was comprised of eight Republicans and seven Democrats. The Senate was still required to approve all of the electoral votes.

Interesting Facts: One of only 5 elections where the initial winner, resulting from the popular vote, was eventually defeated - 1824 Candidates: John Quincy Adams (winner) and Andrew Jackson - 1876 Candidates: Rutherford B. Hayes (winner) and Samuel J. Tilden - 1888 Candidates: Benjamin Harrison (winner) and Grover Cleveland - 2000 Candidates: George W. Bush (winner) and Al Gore - 2016 Candidates: Donald J. Trump (winner) and Hillary Clinton

Additional Interesting Facts: Of the 5 similar elections, this one is considered to be the most disputed one. The Republicans claimed, at one point, that Hayes won the election due to the Democrats' approach to the South. They used fraud and violence to intimidate those in such areas. Democrats from the South would even support Hayes’ presidential claims, only if he agreed to terminate Reconstruction and provide funding for their improvements.

Cited Sources: All images found through the Google search engine https://www.270towin.com/1876_Election/ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-J-Tilden https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rutherford-B-Hayes https://www.rbhayes.org/hayes/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-1876-election/ The Hayes-Tilden Election article we received in class