During the administration of Governor Edmund J. Davis (1869-1873), the Republican government in Texas established a state militia to curb crimes by the KKK against African Americans, created a free public school system, and improved transportation infrastructure by issuing bonds for rail lines. However, this Republican leadership faced opposition from Democrats and accusations of corruption. Ultimately, the Democrats regained control of the legislature in 1873 after Richard Coke defeated Davis in election that Republicans argued had early poll closings. This marked the end of Republican rule in Texas for over 100 years.

1. Chapter 19: Reconstruction Section 3: The Davis Administration

2. Thinking Question What are some actions the new Republican government in Texas should take to address problems & issues?

3. The Davis Administration Edmund J. Davis elected governor in 1869 Edmund J. Davis

4. The Davis Administration Legislature dominated by Republicans 11 African Americans

5. The Davis Administration Matthew Gaines George T. Ruby

6. The Davis Administration Efforts to stop crime in the state: KKK had been threatening & murdering African Americans to keep them from expressing political views Created a state militia & police force Klu Klux Klan robes

7. The Davis Administration Education: Created a free public school system for ALL children State board of education Common curriculum & teacher certification

8. The Davis Administration Economy: Improvements to the state transportation system Issued bonds for rail lines

9. The Davis Administration The Republican led legislature raised taxes to pay for schools & roads.

10. Opposition to Reconstruction Scalawag —term used for Texans who supported the Republicans

11. Opposition to Reconstruction Carpetbaggers — northerners who moved to the South after the war Carpetbag

12. Opposition to Reconstruction Clashes over state police, militia, & taxes Obnoxious Acts —a term used by some Texans for laws passed by the Republican legislature

13. Opposition to Reconstruction Accusations of taking money by fraud Angered when Davis used state police to guard voters in 1872 election 1872 election: Democrats regain control of legislature

15. The End of Reconstruction E.J. Davis Republican Richard Coke Democrat vs. Election of 1873

16. The End of Reconstruction Election of 1873: Davis (42,663 votes) Coke (85,549 votes) Democrats win control of legislature Republicans argue polls closed too early

17. The End of Reconstruction Case makes it to Texas Supreme Court Supreme Court declares constitution unconstitutional Democrats demand control of government

18. The End of Reconstruction Davis allows legislature to meet Fears governor’s office will be taken by force Calls in armed supporters to take control of first floor of capitol

19. The End of Reconstruction Democrats call in armed supporters to take control of legislative chambers on second floor of capitol Federal troops refuse to intervene Davis steps down

20. End to Republican Rule E.J. Davis last Republican governor for over 100 years 1978: Bill Clements will become the first Republican governor since Reconstruction Bill Clements

21. The End of Reconstruction Richard Coke —Democrat who became governor in 1874, ending Reconstruction in Texas Richard Coke

22. The End of Reconstruction Rutherford B. Hayes Republican Samuel Tilden Democrat vs. U.S. Presidential election of 1876

23. The End of Reconstruction Both candidates claim victory Compromise of 1877: Democrats accept Hayes Hayes ends involvement of Federal troops in Southern political affairs

24. E.J. Davis Administration Accomplishments Criticisms Creation of a state militia and police force, reduced crime Improvements in public education and administration Improvements in internal transportation Higher taxes Complaints about state debt and spending Accusations of fraud Accusations of using police to intimidate Democrats