"The 'Bloody Shirt' Reformed"
By Michelle Winter
In the Reconstruction Era, a political strategy that evoked emotion was popular among Radical Republicans to secure many votes. Drawing upon the fresh memory of hardship the country endured, it earned the phrase ‘waving the bloody shirt.’ This cartoon, titled “The ‘Bloody Shirt’ Reformed,” is meant to create an even stronger image in protest against the violent measures meant to directly interfere with the democratic system.
In this drawing, a woman is holding an unbalanced scale on which six blacks and one white lie dead. She is justice, personified to show her looking upon the South with animosity. It is a powerful tool used by Nast to equate violation of humanity to the infringement of the United States societal contracts. Beside her are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to remind of their promise of equal protection and rights. The fliers on the pillar behind her draw attention to the Ku Klux Klan, White League, White Liners, race riots, and the Hamburg massacre; which are the groups and events being targeted. Nast’s view on the course of action to be taken, and likely other Republicans as well, is clear by the caption: “Justice. Five more wanted.” This message, calling for the execution of 5 white men, illustrates the widespread unrest during this time, and the need for a solution to the tension to prevent further escalation (Nast, 1876).
Leading up to the incident in Hamburg, SC, support of Reconstruction began to wane. The North was less confident in their methods to ease the South into changes brought about by Union victory. Federal troops were withdrawn from the South in hopes of less forced intervention and more of a natural southern acceptance. However, instead of the progress that was hoped for, the situation became worse for the newly freed slaves, as well as black and white Republicans. A sect of the democratic party, or “Straight-out” Democrats, were ones who acted upon their retained ideology of white supremacy. Members of this group encouraged the prevention of a black vote by way of intimidation, bribery, or any other effective method (Southern Question, 1876).
Attention to the aftermath of the murders brought a contrasting response from the North and South. In the South, this violent instance was especially influential in the midst of many parallel tactics. Prior to the murders, elections for state office were approaching, but remaining divided, the Democratic State Convention had not agreed on the nominations. Afterward, the “Straight-out” group was stronger and more organized than ever, pushing South Carolina into the group of redeemed states.
On the other hand, Northern reaction to southern Democrat ‘politics’ was one of horror and concern. Colonel Higginson raised many valid points meant to inspire quick counteraction. Justice was not brought to a group of people who were attacked without provocation, in broad day. This case of barbarism was so premeditated that it included arms of transboundary citizens. Allowing the Democrats to intimidate the democracy instead of respect it was not sustainable for a successful national government (Southern Question 1876).
References:
Nast, Thomas. “The ‘Bloody Shirt’ Reformed” Harper’s Weekly, August 12, 1876, 656-657.
"The Southern Question." Harper's Weekly, August 12, 1876, 0651ab.