The 43rd Congress: A Nation's Mandate in 1872-73
Analyzing the Electoral Landscape and Political Shifts Shaping the United States House of Representatives.
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Election Overview
A Significant Shift
The 1872โ73 United States House of Representatives elections, held across various dates between June 1872 and April 1873, determined the composition of the House for the 43rd United States Congress. These elections coincided with President Ulysses S. Grant's re-election, reflecting a period of significant political and economic transformation in the post-Civil War era.
Apportionment and Expansion
Following the 1870 United States census, a substantial reapportionment occurred. The number of House seats increased from 243 to 292, adding 49 new seats. This expansion significantly altered the electoral map and reflected the growing population and the readmission of Southern states into the Union.
Republican Dominance
The incumbent Republican Party, led by President Grant, experienced a considerable surge in its majority. This electoral success was partly attributed to the party's association with victory in the American Civil War, its pro-industry platform appealing to Northern voters amidst the burgeoning Industrial Revolution, and a degree of disarray within the Democratic Party's leadership.
Historical Context
Reapportionment and Representation
The reapportionment following the 1870 census was a pivotal event. Initially, 40 seats were added, but a subsequent amendment increased this by nine more, totaling 49 new seats. This was the first reapportionment after the repeal of the Three-Fifths Compromise via the Fourteenth Amendment, fundamentally altering the basis of representation.
Political Realignment
The elections saw a notable shift in party control and representation. The Republican Party secured a commanding majority, winning 203 seats compared to the Democratic Party's 89. This represented a significant gain for the Republicans, who added 61 seats, while the Democrats lost 9 seats. The election also marked a period where Republican gains were solidified in many Northern states, reflecting the ongoing economic and social developments of the era.
Regional Dynamics
The results highlighted distinct regional trends. While Republicans dominated in many Northern states, the elections also saw shifts in Southern states, reflecting the complex political landscape of Reconstruction. For instance, this election marked the last time until 1966 that a Republican won a House seat in Arkansas, underscoring the long-term political patterns established during this period.
Election Results Summary
Seat Distribution
The final seat distribution demonstrated a strong Republican majority in the 43rd Congress:
Total seats: 292 (an increase of 49 seats).
Popular Vote
The popular vote distribution reflected the Republican advantage:
Total popular vote: 6,927,154.
Election Dates
Varied Schedules
Unlike presidential elections, congressional elections did not adhere to a single, uniform date nationwide during this period. States set their own election days, leading to a staggered schedule:
- Early Elections (1872): June 4 (Oregon), August 1 (North Carolina), August 27 (West Virginia), September 3 (Vermont), September 9 (Maine), October 8 (Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania).
- Late Elections (1873): March 11 (New Hampshire), April 7 (Connecticut).
This variation reflected the decentralized nature of election administration at the time.
Special Elections
Unfilled Seats
This section requires further detail regarding special elections held to fill vacancies that arose during or before the convening of the 43rd Congress. The source material indicates that specific details for this aspect are not fully elaborated.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Alabama
District Breakdown
Alabama's delegation saw significant changes, with the addition of two at-large seats due to reapportionment. The state's political landscape was highly contested during this period.
Arkansas
District Breakdown
Arkansas saw a shift in representation, with the Republican party gaining a seat in one district and securing the at-large seat, despite the incumbent retiring in one district.
California
District Expansion
California's delegation expanded from three to four representatives following the 1870 census. The elections saw a mix of incumbent re-elections and party gains, with Republicans securing three of the four seats.
Connecticut
Consistent Republican Support
Connecticut maintained its Republican leanings in the House elections, with incumbents being re-elected in most districts. The state's delegation remained largely stable, reflecting consistent voter preferences.
Delaware
Close Contest
Delaware's single at-large congressional seat was contested closely. The election resulted in a narrow victory for the Republican candidate, James R. Lofland, over the Democratic incumbent, Benjamin T. Biggs, who retired.
Florida
New Seat, Republican Success
Florida gained a second at-large seat following the 1870 census. Both seats were won by Republicans, indicating a strong showing for the party in the state during this election cycle.
Georgia
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Georgia's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Illinois
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Illinois' congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Indiana
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Indiana's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Iowa
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Iowa's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Kansas
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Kansas' congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Kentucky
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Kentucky's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Louisiana
Contested At-Large Seat
In Louisiana's newly formed at-large district, the election was notably contested. George A. Sheridan, representing the Liberal Republican party, secured victory over P. B. S. Pinchback, the state's first black governor. The election's outcome was only definitively settled in Sheridan's favor in February 1875, shortly before the end of the congressional term.
Maine
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Maine's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Maryland
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Maryland's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Massachusetts
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Massachusetts' congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Michigan
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Michigan's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Minnesota
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Minnesota's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Mississippi
Party Shifts
Mississippi saw significant party shifts, with Democrats gaining seats in Districts 1 and 4, while Republicans held onto Districts 2, 3, and 5. The addition of a new district (District 4) also resulted in a Republican gain.
Missouri
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Missouri's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Nebraska
Republican Hold
Nebraska's single at-large representative, Lorenzo Crounse (Republican), was elected, retaining the seat for the Republican party. The election saw a clear victory for Crounse over his Democratic opponent.
Nevada
Democratic Victory
In Nevada's at-large congressional election, the Democratic candidate Charles West Kendall was elected, succeeding the retiring Democratic incumbent. This represented a Democratic hold on the state's single House seat.
New Hampshire
Late Election
New Hampshire held its congressional elections relatively late, on March 11, 1873. The source indicates a shift in representation, with Republicans gaining seats.
New Jersey
Republican Gains
New Jersey saw a notable increase in Republican representation, with the party gaining three seats. This shift indicates a strengthening of Republican influence in the state during this electoral cycle.
New York
Republican Surge
New York saw a significant Republican surge, with the party gaining nine seats. This substantial increase in representation reflected the party's strong performance across the state, contributing significantly to its overall majority in the House.
North Carolina
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for North Carolina's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Ohio
Republican Strength
Ohio maintained a strong Republican presence, with the party securing 14 out of 20 seats. This reflects the state's consistent support for the Republican platform during this era.
Oregon
Republican Hold
Oregon's single at-large representative, James H. Slater (Democratic), was unseated by Republican Lafayette Grover. This marked a party shift in the state's congressional representation.
Pennsylvania
Republican Dominance
Pennsylvania demonstrated strong Republican support, with the party winning 22 out of 27 seats. This reflected the state's industrial growth and its alignment with the Republican party's economic policies.
Rhode Island
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Rhode Island's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
South Carolina
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for South Carolina's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Tennessee
Republican Gains
Tennessee saw significant Republican gains, with the party winning five seats, an increase of five seats. This shift indicates a strong Republican performance in the state during these elections.
Texas
Republican Gains
Texas saw Republican gains, with the party securing all six seats, an increase of three seats. This indicates a strong Republican performance and a shift in the state's congressional representation.
Vermont
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Vermont's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Virginia
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for Virginia's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
West Virginia
Limited Data
The provided source material indicates that detailed election results for West Virginia's congressional districts in this period are not available or require further expansion.
(Note: The original source material indicates this section needs expansion.)
Wisconsin
Republican Gains
Wisconsin saw Republican gains, with the party securing two additional seats, bringing their total to six. This indicates a strengthening of Republican influence in the state.
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References
References
- In the majority of states; 11 states held elections on different dates between June 4, 1872 and April 7, 1873.
- Includes 1 Independent Republican.
- Includes 1 Liberal Republican.
- Includes 4 Liberal Republicans.
- Wilshire (Republican) was initially seated (and thus is counted towards the party totals at this article), but the election was contested and the seat was subsequently awarded to Gunter (Democratic) during the 40th Congress's first session.
- Represented the Brindle Tail Republican faction in Arkansas
- Represented the Minstrel Republican faction in Arkansas
- 17ย Stat.ย 28
- 17ย Stat.ย 192
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Important Notice
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This is not professional historical or political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation or in-depth academic research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians or political scientists for specific analyses or interpretations.
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