In 1870, Tennessee saw significant political shifts, marked by the suppression of Black voters and political violence aimed at maintaining white supremacy. This effort culminated in a series of actions that deeply impacted Reconstruction efforts in the South.

During this time, many Southern states, including Tennessee, were seeing changes brought about by Radical Reconstruction, which aimed to provide civil rights for freed Black people. However, white conservative factions were deeply opposed to these changes and resorted to violent tactics to suppress Black voting and intimidate Republicans. This led to a series of elections marred by assassination attempts and widespread violence, ensuring that conservative whites regained control of Southern legislatures.

In North Carolina, the conservative backlash against Reconstruction also gained momentum, and the election you mentioned helped effectively end Radical Reconstruction in the state. This was part of a broader wave of Southern resistance against federal Reconstruction policies, which sought to rebuild the South and secure rights for freed African Americans.

The impeachment of Governor Holden of North Carolina in December 1870 was another key moment. Holden was a staunch advocate for Reconstruction and the protection of Black rights. His removal by the conservative legislature marked a significant victory for those who sought to undermine Reconstruction efforts. This event was part of the broader trend of conservative power reasserting itself across the South during this period.