Rutherford B. Hayes: The 19th President Of The United States

Rutherford B. Hayes was a significant figure in American history, serving as the 19th President of the United States from 1877 to 1881. His presidency came at a time of great change in the nation, marked by the aftermath of the Civil War and the beginning of the Reconstruction Era. Hayes is often remembered for his efforts to promote civil service reform and to restore trust in the government. In this article, we will explore the life, achievements, and legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes, delving into his early years, political career, and the challenges he faced during his presidency.

Born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, Hayes was the son of a farmer and a shopkeeper. He pursued education at Kenyon College and later went on to Harvard Law School. After establishing a successful law practice, he became involved in politics, ultimately serving as a U.S. Representative and Governor of Ohio before ascending to the presidency. His election was notable for the controversial 1876 election, which led to a compromise that ended Reconstruction.

Throughout his presidency, Hayes worked to address various issues, including labor disputes, economic challenges, and civil rights. His commitment to reform and integrity set a standard for future leaders. In this comprehensive article, we will examine the various facets of his life, including personal data, notable accomplishments, and the impact of his policies on the United States.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Rutherford B. Hayes
• Early Life and Education
• Political Career
• Presidency (1877-1881)
• Civil Service Reform
• Post-Presidency Life
• Legacy and Influence
• Conclusion

Biography of Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio. He was the son of Rutherford Hayes Sr. and Sophia Birchard. After his father's death, his mother raised him in modest circumstances. Hayes attended Kenyon College, where he graduated in 1842. He then pursued a law degree at Harvard Law School, receiving his diploma in 1845.

Early Life and Education

Hayes was raised in a family that valued education and hard work. He completed his undergraduate studies at Kenyon College with honors. Following this, he attended Harvard Law School, where he developed a strong foundation in legal principles. After graduating, he returned to Ohio to practice law, quickly establishing himself as a competent and honest attorney.

Political Career

Hayes's political career began in the mid-1850s when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio. His tenure in Congress was marked by his advocacy for abolitionism and civil rights. In 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, where he rose to the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he returned to Ohio politics, serving as the Governor of Ohio twice before his presidential election.

Presidency (1877-1881)

Rutherford B. Hayes was inaugurated as President on March 4, 1877, following a highly contested election against Samuel J. Tilden. The election was marred by accusations of voter fraud and intimidation, leading to a compromise that resulted in Hayes taking office in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.

Challenges During Presidency

Hayes faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including:

• Labor unrest and strikes, particularly the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.
• Economic instability, with issues such as the Panic of 1873 still affecting the nation.
• Continued racial tensions in the South following the end of Reconstruction.

Civil Service Reform

One of Hayes's key initiatives during his presidency was civil service reform. He believed that government jobs should be awarded based on merit rather than political connections. To this end, he established a bipartisan commission to oversee the hiring process for federal employees and advocated for the implementation of a merit-based system.

Post-Presidency Life

After leaving office in 1881, Hayes returned to Ohio and became involved in various philanthropic efforts. He served as the president of the board of trustees for Kenyon College and was instrumental in founding the National Prison Association, advocating for prison reform. Hayes also became known for his support of education and social justice initiatives.

Legacy and Influence

Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency is often viewed through the lens of his commitment to integrity and reform. His efforts to promote civil service reform laid the groundwork for future administrations, and his emphasis on education and social justice continues to resonate today. Hayes's presidency marked a transition period in American history, setting the stage for the Progressive Era that followed.

Conclusion

In summary, Rutherford B. Hayes was a pivotal figure in American history whose contributions to civil service reform and social justice have had a lasting impact. His presidency was marked by challenges, but his commitment to integrity and reform set a standard for future leaders. We invite you to share your thoughts on Hayes's legacy and explore more about this remarkable president.

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article informative. If you have any comments or would like to learn more, please feel free to leave a comment below or check out our other articles.