What was the controversial outcome of the election of 1876?

The election of 1876 was marked by significant disputes and controversies, particularly regarding the counting of electoral votes. Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden were the primary candidates, and although Tilden won a plurality of the popular vote, the election hinged on the electoral votes of several states, which were contested due to allegations of voter intimidation and electoral fraud.

The resolution of the election was notably unusual because it involved Congress. A special electoral commission was formed to investigate the disputed results, comprising members from both parties. Ultimately, the decision was reached in favor of Hayes, allowing him to ascend to the presidency. This outcome was emblematic of the political compromise that followed the tumultuous Reconstruction era in the United States, as it led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South and effectively ended Reconstruction.

This process underscores why the determination of Hayes's victory through Congressional intervention is a hallmark of the election's controversies. It reflects a politically charged atmosphere and accurately captures the complexity and contentious nature of the election, marking it as one of the most disputed in American history.