The Election of 1876: Bargain or Betrayal?
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
11/29/25
•19m
About
Comments
Featured In
The presidential election of 1876 stands as one of the most contested and consequential turning points in American history. In this episode, I explore the dramatic showdown between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel Tilden, unfolding at a moment when the country was still grappling with the legacy of Reconstruction.
Join me as I highlight how a political crisis emerged when disputed returns from the South threw the nation into chaos without a constitutional remedy. What followed was an unprecedented political standoff: the creation of a federal election commission, intense negotiations between Hayes supporters and southern Democrats, and the controversial deal that ended Reconstruction in exchange for securing the presidency.
This episode unpacks the maneuvering, the stakes, and the lasting consequences of the 1876 election—all while setting the stage for the next era in the podcast timeline: the rise of the Gilded Age.
Previous Episode
The Fourth Annual Friendsgiving Podcast Spectacular
November 24, 2025
•62m
Your favorite history podcasters are back again! Join myself, Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidencies, and Jerry from The Presidencies of the United States as we chat about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, our dream historical projects, and our affinity for dueling.
Happy Holidays!
Next Episode
Fearless Women: Exploring Patriotic Feminism with Dr. Elizabeth Cobbs
December 6, 2025
•33m
Join me as I welcome historian and bestselling author Dr. Elizabeth Cobbs about her book Fearless Women and her powerful concept of patriotic feminism. Dr. Cobbs explains how generations of American women have pushed the nation to live up to its founding ideals, often pairing a deep love of country with a bold willingness to demand change.
Our conversation explores the women who shaped U.S. history—famous and forgotten—and the surprising ways their activism, labor, and leadership moved the country forward. This episode is a compelling look at how patriotic feminism has influenced American identity from the founding era to today.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted