Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. His presidency is notable…

By Staff , in Presidents , at July 3, 2024 Tags: presidents, usa

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881. His presidency is notable for its end to the Reconstruction era, efforts toward civil service reform, and attempts to reconcile the divisions left by the Civil War.

Early Life and Education
Birth: Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio.
Family: He was raised by his mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, after his father, Rutherford Hayes Jr., died before his birth.
Education: Hayes attended local schools and graduated as valedictorian from Kenyon College in 1842. He then studied law at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1845.

Early Career
Legal Practice: Hayes began his law practice in Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), Ohio, before moving to Cincinnati in 1849, where he became a successful lawyer.
Marriage: In 1852, he married Lucy Webb, an educated and progressive woman who would become an influential First Lady. They had eight children together.

Civil War Service
Union Army: Hayes joined the Union Army as a major at the outbreak of the Civil War. He demonstrated bravery and leadership, rising to the rank of brevet major general by the end of the war.
Wounds: Hayes was wounded multiple times, underscoring his commitment and valor in battle.

Political Career
Congress: After the war, Hayes was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1865 to 1867. He was a strong supporter of Reconstruction and civil rights for freed slaves.
Governor of Ohio: Hayes served as Governor of Ohio from 1868 to 1872 and again from 1876 to 1877. His governorship was marked by moderate reforms and efforts to improve the state’s education and penal systems.

Presidency (1877-1881)
Contested Election: The presidential election of 1876 was one of the most disputed in American history. Hayes ran as the Republican candidate against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote, but the electoral vote was contested in several states. The Compromise of 1877 resolved the impasse, awarding Hayes the presidency in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.
Civil Service Reform: Hayes advocated for civil service reform to reduce corruption and implement a merit-based system for federal employment. He issued an executive order prohibiting federal employees from engaging in political activities.
Domestic Policy: Hayes focused on reconciling the North and South, improving the economy, and addressing issues related to Native American policies. He promoted the gold standard to stabilize the economy and vetoed the Bland-Allison Act, which called for the free coinage of silver, although Congress overrode his veto.
Foreign Policy: Hayes dealt with several foreign policy issues, including tensions with Mexico and disputes with China over immigration. He negotiated treaties that aimed to improve relations and trade.

Post-Presidency
Retirement: After his presidency, Hayes retired to his estate, Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, Ohio. He remained active in public affairs, advocating for educational reforms, prison reform, and veterans’ welfare.
Death: Hayes died on January 17, 1893, at the age of 70.

Legacy
Historical View: Hayes’ presidency is often viewed as a transitional period in American history. He is credited with initiating important reforms, but his presidency is also criticized for the Compromise of 1877, which led to the end of Reconstruction and the disenfranchisement of African Americans in the South.
Civil Service Reform: His efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent civil service reforms, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.
Educational Advocacy: Hayes’ post-presidential advocacy for education and social reforms left a lasting impact on public policy