Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, took office at a time of intense national division and change. His presidency, which lasted from 1877 to 1881, is often remembered for his role in ending Reconstruction and his strong commitment to civil service reform. Though his time in office was relatively brief, his actions had a lasting impact on the course of American history. Hayes’ presidency marked the transition from the post-Civil War era into the complexities of the Gilded Age, characterized by economic growth, political corruption, and emerging social challenges.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio, to a relatively prosperous family. His father, Rutherford Hayes Sr., passed away before he was born, leaving his mother, Sophia Birchard Hayes, to raise him and his siblings. Despite the early loss, Hayes was determined to succeed and grow intellectually.
Education and Legal Career
Hayes excelled academically, graduating from Kenyon College in 1842, where he was a top student and earned a reputation as a disciplined and hardworking individual. He went on to study law at Harvard Law School, where he further developed his intellectual abilities. After completing his legal education, Hayes returned to Ohio to establish his law practice, setting the foundation for his political career.
Military Service in the Civil War
Union Army Officer
Hayes’ legal career was interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Hayes served in multiple campaigns and was recognized for his bravery and leadership. He was wounded several times, but his resilience earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers.
Rise Through the Ranks
Hayes demonstrated exceptional leadership during key battles, eventually earning a promotion to brigadier general. His military service helped him develop the leadership qualities that would later define his presidency, such as decisiveness, resilience, and a commitment to the Union cause. By the end of the war, Hayes had established himself as a capable leader, which would play a significant role in his future political career.
Political Career Before the Presidency
Governor of Ohio
After the Civil War, Rutherford B. Hayes transitioned into politics. He served three terms as Governor of Ohio from 1868 to 1876, where he became known for his moderate and reform-minded approach. During his time as governor, Hayes focused on expanding public education, advocating for the rights of labor, and fighting against corruption in state politics.
U.S. House of Representatives
In addition to his tenure as governor, Hayes also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1865 to 1867. His time in Washington helped him gain a deeper understanding of national politics, and his moderate stance on key issues like Reconstruction and civil rights helped shape his reputation as a pragmatic and thoughtful leader.
Reputation as a Reformist
Hayes was seen as a reform-minded politician, committed to eliminating corruption and improving the lives of ordinary Americans. His focus on education and his efforts to expand voting rights in Ohio garnered him support from a diverse range of political groups.
Election to the Presidency
The Contested 1876 Election
The 1876 presidential election was one of the most contentious in U.S. history. Hayes, the Republican candidate, faced Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic nominee. The election was marred by disputes over the results in several Southern states. Both sides claimed victory, and the outcome was unclear.
The Compromise of 1877
In a bid to resolve the crisis, Congress established an electoral commission to review the contested votes. In one of the most unusual political bargains in U.S. history, the Compromise of 1877 was reached. Democrats agreed to support Hayes in exchange for the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction. Hayes was declared the winner by a single electoral vote, and he was sworn in as president in March 1877.
Presidency (1877–1881)
End of Reconstruction
One of the first and most significant actions of Hayes’ presidency was the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This marked the formal end of Reconstruction, a period during which the federal government had attempted to rebuild the South and integrate former slaves into American society. While Hayes believed the South should be allowed to govern itself, this decision effectively abandoned the federal commitment to protecting the rights of African Americans in the South, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws.
Civil Service Reform
A hallmark of Hayes’ presidency was his commitment to civil service reform. He sought to end the corrupt patronage system that had dominated American politics, where political supporters were given government jobs regardless of qualifications. Hayes believed that federal employees should be hired based on merit and qualifications, not political loyalty. His efforts laid the groundwork for later reforms in the federal government, though progress was slow and met with resistance.
Economic Issues and the Aftermath of the Panic of 1873
Hayes’ presidency was also marked by ongoing economic challenges. The Panic of 1873 had caused a severe economic depression, and the country was struggling to recover. Hayes supported policies aimed at restoring economic stability, including backing the gold standard and supporting railroad expansion. However, economic recovery would take time, and the Gilded Age was characterized by sharp social and economic inequality.
Foreign Policy and International Relations
In terms of foreign policy, Hayes focused on fostering relationships with Latin America and Asia. His administration was instrumental in strengthening ties with countries in the Western Hemisphere, promoting free trade and economic cooperation. Hayes also worked to expand U.S. influence in the Pacific, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic relations with China and Japan.
The End of His Presidency
Political Turmoil and Limited Power
Though Hayes worked tirelessly on reforms, his presidency was somewhat limited in scope due to political opposition. His refusal to run for re-election in 1880 due to his previous pledge to serve only one term resulted in a weakened political position. However, his presidency was noted for its integrity and commitment to reform, especially in contrast to the more corrupt administrations that followed.
Civil Service Reforms and Legacy
Although he faced resistance to civil service reform, Hayes took significant steps in modernizing the federal government. His efforts laid the foundation for future reforms under later presidents, including Chester A. Arthur, who would continue Hayes’ work in civil service reform.
Post-Presidency
Retirement and Continued Advocacy
After leaving office in 1881, Hayes retired to his estate in Fremont, Ohio, where he became an advocate for education and prison reform. He also worked on behalf of several charitable organizations and supported efforts to improve public education in Ohio. His post-presidential life reflected his enduring commitment to public service and reform.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
In 1916, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center was established at his home, and it has since become a hub for historical research and preservation. Hayes’ legacy has been revisited over the years, with increasing recognition of his contributions to civil service reform and his role in shaping the post-Reconstruction South.
Legacy and Historical Assessment
A Mixed Legacy
Rutherford B. Hayes’ legacy is a mixed one. While he made significant strides in civil service reform and tried to balance national unity with protecting civil rights, his decision to withdraw federal troops from the South is viewed as a failure for African Americans, as it led to the solidification of white supremacy and the disenfranchisement of Black voters. His presidency was brief, but his commitment to reform and integrity is remembered positively by many historians.
Historical Reevaluation
Historians often view Hayes as a well-meaning, reform-oriented president who faced significant challenges during a period of political and social upheaval. While some of his policies were criticized, particularly regarding Reconstruction, his presidency laid the groundwork for the reforms of the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era.
Conclusion
Rutherford B. Hayes served as president during a time of great transition in America. His presidency marked the end of Reconstruction, a period that had deeply impacted the nation’s efforts at healing and rebuilding after the Civil War. Despite the controversies surrounding some of his decisions, especially about race relations, Hayes is remembered as a president dedicated to reform, civil service integrity, and education. His legacy continues to be evaluated, with increasing recognition of the complexity of his time in office and the challenges he faced.