Why was the election of 1896 described as a “gigantic piece of stealing?” The Fusion broke into election offices and stole colored ballots in an attempt to alter the election results.

The Republican Party used bribery and threats against Democrats to win the election.

Bourbon Democrats used tactics such as economic threats, violence, intimidation, and political tricks to win.

The Fusion vandalized businesses that supported the Bourbons and used intimidation against public speakers supporting them.