2 midterm elections that brought on new eras in US politics
Two 19th-century elections are a reminder that a sizable midterm shift, like the one expected in November, can signal long-lasting changes in American politics that set the country in a new direction.
Two midterm elections in U.S. history marked the start of significant eras:
In 1874, the Democratic Party's victory in the midterms led to the end of the Reconstruction era. After the disputed 1876 presidential election, Hayes became president while the South could block enforcement of civil rights protections. Southerners regained control of state governments and suppressed Black voting. Reconstruction was undone by the Democratic Party's resurgence and control of the House.
In 1894, Grover Cleveland's Democratic Party suffered the biggest midterm defeat in U.S. history. Cleveland's second term was plagued by economic turmoil. The Democrats lost over 100 House seats, signaling a change in political dynamics. This "wake-up call" election set the stage for Republican dominance for decades, culminating in the modern presidency.
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