In 1877, the United States experienced significant events that shaped its history. One notable occurrence was the end of the Reconstruction Era, which followed the American Civil War. This period aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. The withdrawal of federal troops from the South marked a shift in power dynamics and led to the rise of Jim Crow laws. Additionally, 1877 saw the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison, which revolutionized sound recording and playback. This innovation laid the groundwork for the music industry and changed how people interacted with audio technology.