The 46th United States Congress: A Lesson in Political Drama

The 46th United States Congress, convening from March 4, 1879, to March 4, 1881, was a political circus that would make today's political theater look like a high school play. This Congress was held in Washington D.C., during the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, a Republican, while the Democrats controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The political landscape was a battleground of ideologies, with Democrats eager to flex their newfound muscle and Republicans scrambling to maintain their influence. The era was marked by intense debates over civil rights, economic policies, and the aftermath of the Civil War, setting the stage for a political showdown that would shape the future of the nation.

First, let's talk about the Democrats' obsession with undoing Reconstruction. They were hell-bent on rolling back the progress made in civil rights for African Americans. The Democrats, who had gained control of Congress, were determined to dismantle the Reconstruction policies that had been put in place to protect the rights of newly freed slaves. They pushed for the repeal of the Enforcement Acts, which were designed to combat the Ku Klux Klan and protect African American voters. This was a blatant attempt to suppress the rights of African Americans and maintain the status quo of racial inequality. The Democrats' actions during this Congress were a clear indication of their priorities, and it wasn't about equality or justice.

Next, let's address the economic policies that were debated during this Congress. The Democrats were pushing for the repeal of the Resumption Act of 1875, which aimed to return the country to the gold standard. They argued that it was hurting farmers and working-class Americans, but in reality, it was a ploy to gain political favor with these groups. The Republicans, on the other hand, were fighting to maintain the gold standard, arguing that it was necessary for economic stability. This debate highlighted the Democrats' willingness to sacrifice long-term economic stability for short-term political gain.

The 46th Congress also saw the rise of the "Greenback" movement, which advocated for the issuance of paper money not backed by gold or silver. This movement was popular among farmers and debtors who believed that an increase in the money supply would make it easier to pay off debts. The Democrats, always eager to pander to populist movements, supported the Greenbackers' cause. However, this was another example of their short-sightedness, as the unchecked issuance of paper money could have led to rampant inflation and economic chaos.

Another key issue during this Congress was the debate over tariffs. The Democrats, who were traditionally in favor of free trade, pushed for lower tariffs, arguing that they would benefit consumers by lowering prices. However, this was a thinly veiled attempt to weaken the industrial base of the Northern states, which were predominantly Republican. The Republicans, understanding the importance of protecting American industries, fought to maintain higher tariffs. This debate was a clear example of the Democrats' willingness to undermine American industry for political gain.

The 46th Congress was also marked by political corruption and scandal. The Democrats, who had gained control of Congress, were not immune to the temptations of power. The Star Route scandal, which involved the fraudulent awarding of postal service contracts, was a prime example of the corruption that plagued this Congress. The Democrats' involvement in this scandal was a stark reminder that they were not the champions of the common man that they claimed to be.

In the end, the 46th United States Congress was a lesson in political drama and hypocrisy. The Democrats, who had gained control of Congress, were more interested in undoing the progress made during Reconstruction and pandering to populist movements than in governing responsibly. Their actions during this Congress were a clear indication of their priorities, and it wasn't about equality, justice, or economic stability. Instead, it was about maintaining power and advancing their political agenda, regardless of the consequences for the nation.