The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong 1876 (Redux)
Nov 5, 2024
Dive into the tumultuous 1876 presidential election, often deemed the worst in American history. Explore the scandals of Dan Sickles and his infamous murder trial. Discover the challenges of Reconstruction and the fallout of Sherman's land promises. Witness the chaotic vote count marred by intimidation and corruption, leading to the controversial Electoral Commission. Unravel the Compromise of 1877 that ended Reconstruction, paving the way for Jim Crow laws and racial violence. A captivating reflection on political choices and their lasting impact.
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Devil Dan's Long Trail Of Scandals
- Daniel Sickles' life was a pattern of scandals from marriage scandal to murder and military blunders.
- His late-night actions on Nov 7, 1876 triggered a chain that altered the presidential election outcome.
Sickles' Midnight Telegrams
- On election night Dan Sickles walked into empty Republican HQ, saw a path to victory, and sent telegrams ordering states to 'Hold your state.'
- He then went home and slept like a drunken baby.
Constitutional Silence Created Crisis
- The Constitution lacked any procedure for resolving conflicting state electoral certificates.
- That gap converted the 1876 returns into a full constitutional crisis decided by politics, not law.
