Who Was The 19th President Of Usa

Rutherford B. Hayes: The 19th President of the United States and His Enduring Legacy

The tapestry of American history is woven with threads of diverse presidencies, each marked by unique challenges and triumphs. Among them stands Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, whose tenure from 1877 to 1881 remains a subject of historical scrutiny and fascination. Hayes assumed the presidency during a tumultuous period in American history, grappling with the lingering wounds of the Civil War and the complexities of Reconstruction. His presidency, often remembered for its controversial beginnings, was characterized by efforts to promote civil service reform, reconcile the nation, and protect the rights of African Americans in the South.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the life, presidency, and enduring legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes, exploring the challenges he faced, the policies he pursued, and the impact he had on American society.

Early Life and Career

Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, to Rutherford Hayes Jr. and Sophia Birchard Hayes. Tragedy struck early in his life when his father died just months before his birth. Raised by his widowed mother and his uncle Sardis Birchard, Hayes received a strong education, attending Kenyon College and Harvard Law School.

After graduating from law school, Hayes established a successful legal practice in Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), Ohio. He soon became involved in local politics, serving as the city solicitor and demonstrating a commitment to public service. In 1852, Hayes married Lucy Ware Webb, a deeply religious and educated woman who would become a devoted partner and advisor throughout his life.

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Hayes answered the call to duty, volunteering for the Union Army. He served with distinction, rising to the rank of brevet major general and participating in numerous battles, including those at South Mountain, Antietam, and Cedar Creek. Hayes's military service demonstrated his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Union cause.

Following the war, Hayes returned to Ohio and resumed his political career. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1864, serving two terms before resigning to run for governor of Ohio. Hayes won the governorship in 1867 and served three terms, earning a reputation as a reformer and a champion of education and civil rights.

The Contested Election of 1876

The presidential election of 1876 remains one of the most controversial and disputed elections in American history. Rutherford B. Hayes, the Republican nominee, faced off against Samuel Tilden, the Democratic nominee. The election was held amidst the backdrop of Reconstruction, with deep divisions between the North and South, and allegations of voter fraud and intimidation in several states.

As the election results came in, it became clear that the outcome hinged on the votes of four states: Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon. In these states, both parties claimed victory, and allegations of widespread irregularities cast a shadow over the results. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Reconstruction governments in the South were still in place, and the presence of federal troops in these states raised questions about the fairness of the election.

To resolve the impasse, Congress established a bipartisan Electoral Commission, composed of five members each from the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court. The commission was tasked with investigating the disputed election results and determining which candidate had legitimately won the electoral votes of the contested states.

After weeks of deliberations, the Electoral Commission voted along party lines, 8-7, to award all the disputed electoral votes to Hayes. This decision effectively secured Hayes's victory in the presidential election, but it also sparked outrage among Democrats, who accused Republicans of stealing the election.

The Compromise of 1877

In the aftermath of the disputed election, tensions ran high, and the threat of violence loomed. To avert a potential crisis, Republican and Democratic leaders engaged in negotiations to reach a compromise that would resolve the election dispute and restore stability to the nation.

The Compromise of 1877 was the result of these negotiations. In exchange for Hayes being declared president, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. They also pledged to appoint a Southerner to Hayes's cabinet and to support federal funding for internal improvements in the South.

The Compromise of 1877 had far-reaching consequences. While it resolved the immediate crisis and allowed Hayes to assume the presidency, it also marked the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of a new era in the South. With the withdrawal of federal troops, white Southerners regained control of their state governments, and the rights of African Americans were increasingly curtailed.

Presidency (1877-1881)

Rutherford B. Hayes entered the presidency under a cloud of controversy, facing skepticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Determined to unite the nation and restore trust in government, Hayes embarked on a path of reconciliation and reform.

• Civil Service Reform: One of Hayes's top priorities was to reform the civil service system, which had become plagued by corruption and patronage. Hayes believed that government jobs should be awarded based on merit, not political connections. He appointed a commission to investigate the civil service and recommend reforms, and he issued an executive order prohibiting federal employees from being required to make political contributions. While Hayes's efforts at civil service reform met with resistance from some members of his own party, they laid the groundwork for future reforms.
• Reconciliation: Hayes sought to heal the divisions between the North and South and to promote national unity. He appointed a Southerner, David M. Key of Tennessee, as Postmaster General, a move that was seen as a gesture of goodwill toward the South. Hayes also traveled extensively throughout the South, meeting with political and community leaders and emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.
• Protection of African American Rights: Hayes was committed to protecting the rights of African Americans in the South, although his policies in this area were often inconsistent. He initially supported the continued presence of federal troops in the South to safeguard the rights of black citizens, but he later withdrew those troops as part of the Compromise of 1877. Hayes also appointed African Americans to federal positions and spoke out against racial discrimination. However, his efforts to protect black rights were largely unsuccessful, as white Southerners increasingly used violence and intimidation to suppress black voters and maintain white supremacy.
• Monetary Policy: Hayes faced challenges related to monetary policy, particularly the debate over whether the United States should maintain the gold standard or adopt a bimetallic standard that included silver. Hayes was a strong supporter of the gold standard, believing that it was essential for maintaining economic stability. He vetoed legislation that would have expanded the use of silver, and he worked to maintain the gold standard throughout his presidency.
• Native American Policy: Hayes's administration also dealt with issues related to Native American policy. He sought to promote a policy of assimilation, encouraging Native Americans to adopt white American culture and abandon their traditional ways of life. Hayes also supported the creation of Indian boarding schools, where Native American children were educated in white American culture. While Hayes's intentions may have been well-meaning, his policies ultimately contributed to the destruction of Native American cultures and the loss of Native American lands.

Later Life and Legacy

Rutherford B. Hayes declined to seek a second term as president, fulfilling a promise he had made during the 1876 election. After leaving office in 1881, he retired to his home in Fremont, Ohio, where he devoted himself to philanthropic and educational pursuits.

Hayes became a champion of education, serving as president of the National Prison Association and advocating for the education of prisoners. He also supported the education of African Americans, providing financial assistance to historically black colleges and universities.

Rutherford B. Hayes died on January 17, 1893, at the age of 70. He is remembered as a president who faced difficult challenges and sought to unite the nation after a period of great division. While his presidency was marked by controversy and his policies were not always successful, Hayes's commitment to civil service reform, reconciliation, and the protection of civil rights left a lasting impact on American society.

Comprehensive Overview

Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency is often viewed through the lens of the contested election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877. However, his tenure was more than just a product of those events. Hayes was a complex figure who sought to navigate the challenges of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War.

Hayes's commitment to civil service reform was a significant achievement, laying the groundwork for future reforms that would transform the federal bureaucracy. His efforts to reconcile the North and South, while not fully successful, helped to ease tensions and promote a sense of national unity. And his support for the rights of African Americans, though often inconsistent, demonstrated a recognition of the importance of civil rights.

Hayes's presidency also coincided with a period of significant economic and social change in the United States. The country was rapidly industrializing, and new technologies were transforming the way people lived and worked. Hayes sought to address the challenges of this era, promoting policies that would foster economic growth and protect the interests of workers and consumers.

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In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, as historians and scholars have re-examined his life and legacy. Some historians have emphasized Hayes's commitment to civil rights and his efforts to protect African Americans in the South, while others have criticized his role in the Compromise of 1877 and the end of Reconstruction.

There has also been increased attention to Hayes's personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Lucy Ware Webb Hayes. Lucy Hayes was a well-educated and deeply religious woman who played an active role in her husband's political career. She was also a strong advocate for social reform, and she used her position as First Lady to promote temperance and other causes.

Tips & Expert Advice

When studying the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, it is important to consider the context in which he served. Hayes faced enormous challenges, including a divided nation, a struggling economy, and a complex political landscape. To fully understand Hayes's presidency, it is essential to examine the historical, social, and economic forces that shaped his decisions and policies.

It is also important to avoid simplistic or one-dimensional interpretations of Hayes's presidency. Hayes was a complex figure whose actions and policies were often driven by conflicting motivations. To gain a deeper understanding of Hayes, it is necessary to consider the nuances and contradictions of his life and legacy.

Finally, it is important to recognize the enduring relevance of Hayes's presidency. The challenges that Hayes faced – issues of civil rights, economic inequality, and political division – are still relevant today. By studying Hayes's presidency, we can gain insights into the challenges that continue to confront American society.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: What was Rutherford B. Hayes's most significant accomplishment as president?

  • A: Hayes's most significant accomplishment was arguably his commitment to civil service reform. His efforts to reform the civil service laid the groundwork for future reforms that would transform the federal bureaucracy.

• Q: What was the Compromise of 1877?

  • A: The Compromise of 1877 was an informal agreement between Republican and Democratic leaders that resolved the disputed presidential election of 1876. In exchange for Hayes being declared president, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction.

• Q: What was Rutherford B. Hayes's stance on civil rights?

  • A: Hayes was committed to protecting the rights of African Americans in the South, although his policies in this area were often inconsistent. He initially supported the continued presence of federal troops in the South to safeguard the rights of black citizens, but he later withdrew those troops as part of the Compromise of 1877.

• Q: Why is Rutherford B. Hayes considered a controversial president?

  • A: Hayes is considered a controversial president because of the disputed election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877, which led to the end of Reconstruction and the curtailment of African American rights in the South.

Conclusion

Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency remains a subject of historical debate and analysis. His tenure was marked by both achievements and failures, and his legacy is complex and multifaceted. While Hayes faced enormous challenges and his policies were not always successful, his commitment to civil service reform, reconciliation, and the protection of civil rights left a lasting impact on American society.

As we reflect on the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes, we are reminded of the enduring challenges that confront American democracy. Issues of civil rights, economic inequality, and political division continue to shape our nation's destiny. By studying the lives and legacies of presidents like Rutherford B. Hayes, we can gain insights into the challenges that lie ahead and work to build a more just and equitable society for all.

How do you think Hayes's actions shaped the future of American civil rights?