Changes

By 1868, a Radical state government had been established, supported by enfranchised blacks, Northern transplants (derided by ex-Confederates as "carpetbaggers"), and a few pro-Union white Southerners ("scalawags"). It was regarded by Northern and Southern observers as highly corrupt, with widespread allegations of voter fraud and embezzlement of official funds, leaving the state deeply in debt. According to one account, a carpetbagger politician questioned on the possibility of reform replied, "Why gentlemen, there are five years of good stealing in South Carolina yet."

By 1868, a Radical state government had been established, supported by enfranchised blacks, Northern transplants (derided by ex-Confederates as "carpetbaggers"), and a few pro-Union white Southerners ("scalawags"). It was regarded by Northern and Southern observers as highly corrupt, with widespread allegations of voter fraud and embezzlement of official funds, leaving the state deeply in debt. According to one account, a carpetbagger politician questioned on the possibility of reform replied, "Why gentlemen, there are five years of good stealing in South Carolina yet."

Until well into the 1870s, Hampton had continued to reject urges that he challenge the Radical government at the ballot box, though he had been active in upholding the merits of the Southern cause and imploring his fellow Southerners to take pride in their actions during the war. In 1876, however, a number of white Democratic politicians convinced him to consent to being nominated for governor by the state convention, arguing that only he had the prominence and positive reputation to make an effective run. Hampton was nominated that August, campaigning against the Republican incumbent, Daniel H. Chamberlain. The campaign was marked by numerous incidents of violence, especially between black Republican militias and the pro-Hampton "Red Shirts" (which included both white and black Democrats), though Hampton himself worked to prevent provocations from his own supporters. Following the November election, both Hampton and Chamberlain claimed victory, and each party tried to outmaneuver the other in gaining control of the state government buildings. Finally, as a result of the [[Compromise of 1877]], and realizing the superior organization of state Democrats, the new U.S. President, [[Rutherford B. Hayes]], recognized Hampton as governor and withdrew federal troops from the state, ending Reconstruction. Hampton took possession of the governor's office on April 11, 1877, effectively beginning his tenure as the state's chief executive.

Until well into the 1870s, Hampton had continued to reject urges that he challenge the Radical government at the ballot box, though he had been active in upholding the merits of the Southern cause and imploring his fellow Southerners to take pride in their actions during the war. In 1876, however, a number of white Democratic politicians convinced him to consent to being nominated for governor by the state convention, arguing that only he had the prominence and positive reputation to make an effective run. Hampton was nominated that August, campaigning against the Republican incumbent, Daniel H. Chamberlain. The campaign was marked by numerous incidents of violence, especially between black Republican militias and the pro-Hampton "Red Shirts" (which included both white and black Democrats), though Hampton himself worked to prevent provocations from his own supporters. However, he also raised legal defense funds for [[Ku Klux Klan]] terrorists.<ref>Hyde, Paul (May 16, 2015). [https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2017/05/16/petition-calls-dropping-racist-name-wade-hampton/325234001/ Petition calls for dropping 'racist' name of Wade Hampton]. ''Greenville News''. Retrieved August 14, 2021.</ref> Following the November election, both Hampton and Chamberlain claimed victory, and each party tried to outmaneuver the other in gaining control of the state government buildings. Finally, as a result of the [[Compromise of 1877]], and realizing the superior organization of state Democrats, the new U.S. President, [[Rutherford B. Hayes]], recognized Hampton as governor and withdrew federal troops from the state, ending Reconstruction. Hampton took possession of the governor's office on April 11, 1877, effectively beginning his tenure as the state's chief executive.

As governor, Hampton stood for small government and racial reconciliation. Given the state's deep debt, he obtained loans from Northern bankers, while cutting expenses wherever possible; taxes were kept low, Hampton noting that "the resources of our people are well nigh exhausted." State funding for primary education was maintained, however, for both white and black children, and African-Americans judged competent were appointed to state and local offices. Though some vengeance-minded white Democrats opposed Hampton's policies, they were popular with the majority, white voters as well as black, and he was decisively reelected in 1878 (though the occasion was marred by a hunting accident that November which resulted in the amputation of Hampton's right leg).

As governor, Hampton stood for small government and racial reconciliation. Given the state's deep debt, he obtained loans from Northern bankers, while cutting expenses wherever possible; taxes were kept low, Hampton noting that "the resources of our people are well nigh exhausted." State funding for primary education was maintained, however, for both white and black children, and African-Americans judged competent were appointed to state and local offices. Though some vengeance-minded white Democrats opposed Hampton's policies, they were popular with the majority, white voters as well as black, and he was decisively reelected in 1878 (though the occasion was marred by a hunting accident that November which resulted in the amputation of Hampton's right leg).