16. The First Unofficial Government Shutdown In History Occurred In 1879 And Lasted 3 Months
The first unofficial government shutdown happened in 1879 with 19th President Rutherford B. Hayes. This government shutdown, formerly called a rider fight, was part of the aftermath of the Civil War. The standoff occurred between Republican and Democrats. During this time, African American men could vote. However, because they usually voted Republicans, as it was Republicans who fought to end slavery, the Democrats didn’t want African American males voting. From the start of the Civil War in 1861 to 1879, Democrats didn’t have the majority of seats in Congress as they all left to fight for the Confederate Army.
When the Civil War ended in 1865, Democrats slowly started to gain seats back in Congress. Fourteen years later, they had the majority of seats and came up with the idea to end protection of African American votes. For reasons, they sighted fighting at the voting polls because most people didn’t agree with African Americans gaining their right to vote. The Democrats stated if the government stopped protecting African American voters, they would fund the army and the courts. Months later, the shutdown ended when the Democrats and Republicans agreed, and President Hayes signed the bill.