Democrats mounted increasing violence and fraud at elections from 1868 through the period, in an effort to suppress the black and Republican vote. In 1874, the paramilitary Red Shirts arose as a paramilitary group working openly to disrupt Republican meetings, suppress black voting and return Democrats to power. The most violence occurred in counties where blacks were a strong minority, as Democrats tried to reduce their challenge.
Democrats engaged in escalating acts of violence and electoral fraud from 1868 to the period, aiming to suppress black and Republican voting rights. In 1874, the paramilitary Red Shirts emerged as a group actively disrupting Republican gatherings, suppressing black voting, and restoring Democratic control. The most violent incidents occurred in counties with significant black populations, as Democrats sought to diminish their opposition.