rec-dev.com – Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, served from 1877 to 1881, a time of political turbulence and national transition. Hayes’ presidency is most notably defined by the contentious 1876 election, which led to his narrow victory amid allegations of election fraud and the subsequent Compromise of 1877. His administration’s focus on reform, efforts to restore trust in the government, and the end of Reconstruction in the South, have shaped his historical legacy. While his time in office was brief, Hayes made significant contributions to civil service reform, the resolution of post-Civil War conflicts, and the shaping of U.S. policies in the late 19th century.
Early Life and Political Career
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio. A bright student, Hayes graduated from Kenyon College in 1842 and went on to study law at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1845. After passing the bar, he practiced law in Fremont, Ohio, where he became involved in local politics.
During the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), Hayes served as a major, where he was wounded multiple times and earned a reputation for bravery. After the war, Hayes continued his legal career and entered public service, eventually being elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1865. He was later elected governor of Ohio, a position he held for three non-consecutive terms (1868–1876). His tenure as governor was marked by a strong stance on civil rights, including advocating for equal rights for African Americans.
The Election of 1876 and the Compromise of 1877
Hayes’ ascent to the presidency was a result of one of the most disputed elections in U.S. history. In the 1876 presidential election, Hayes, the Republican candidate, faced off against Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic candidate. Tilden won the popular vote and appeared to have secured the necessary electoral votes. However, disputes over the results in several Southern states—Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Oregon—led to contested electoral votes.
Amidst the tension, Congress established a 15-member Electoral Commission to resolve the dispute. The commission ultimately awarded Hayes the contested electoral votes, granting him a narrow victory by a single electoral vote. This decision was controversial, and many believed that the outcome was influenced by backroom political deals.
The resolution of the election was formalized through the Compromise of 1877, a political agreement between Republicans and Democrats. In exchange for recognizing Hayes’ victory, Republicans agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and allowing Southern states to regain control over their governments. This marked the beginning of the Jim Crow era, which saw the institutionalization of racial segregation and disenfranchisement in the South.
Presidency: 1877–1881
Upon taking office, Hayes was determined to restore the nation’s faith in government and move beyond the sectional divisions of the Civil War and Reconstruction. While his presidency was marked by relative calm compared to the previous decades, he faced several challenges, both domestic and foreign.
- Reconstruction and Civil Rights: Hayes is often remembered for his role in ending Reconstruction. While his decision to withdraw federal troops from the South marked the official end of the era, his administration continued to advocate for civil rights protections, albeit with limited success. Hayes pushed for the protection of African Americans’ voting rights and worked to promote racial harmony, but the political climate in the South during the late 19th century undermined his efforts. His efforts to address racial discrimination were stymied by the growing influence of white supremacy groups and the rise of segregationist laws.
- Civil Service Reform: One of Hayes’ most significant contributions was his push for civil service reform. At the time, patronage—the practice of appointing government officials based on political loyalty rather than merit—was rampant. Hayes sought to change this system by advocating for reforms that would establish a merit-based system for federal employment. In 1877, he issued an executive order banning political contributions from federal employees and made efforts to implement the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which would be passed after his presidency. This act laid the groundwork for the modern civil service system, ensuring that government jobs were awarded based on qualifications rather than political connections.
- Economic Policy and the Great Railroad Strike of 1877: Hayes also had to contend with growing economic unrest, including the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history. The strike began in West Virginia in response to wage cuts and poor working conditions in the railroad industry, and it quickly spread to several other states. In response, Hayes deployed federal troops to restore order, a decision that was controversial at the time. While Hayes defended the use of military intervention as necessary to maintain public order, the strike highlighted the rising tensions between labor and business, a theme that would continue to shape U.S. politics in the coming decades.
- Foreign Policy: On the international stage, Hayes sought to maintain peaceful relations with foreign powers, but his foreign policy achievements were modest. He worked to stabilize relations with Latin America and sought to improve U.S. ties with European nations. His administration also supported the Burlingame Treaty with China, which allowed for increased immigration from China to the United States, though this would later lead to anti-Chinese sentiments and policies, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
End of Presidency and Legacy
Hayes did not seek re-election in 1880, honoring a promise he made during his campaign to serve only one term. He was succeeded by James A. Garfield in 1881. After leaving office, Hayes retired to his home in Fremont, Ohio, where he became involved in various philanthropic activities and continued to advocate for civil rights and educational reform.
Although Hayes’ presidency is often seen as a transitional period, he left a significant legacy, particularly in the areas of civil service reform and the protection of civil rights for African Americans. However, the broader impact of the Compromise of 1877 and the subsequent withdrawal of federal protections for Black Americans in the South overshadowed his efforts.
Historians have evaluated Hayes as a well-intentioned, principled leader who was constrained by the political realities of his time. He was dedicated to restoring order and integrity to the federal government but was ultimately unable to reverse the tide of racial discrimination and inequality in the post-Reconstruction South.
Conclusion
Rutherford B. Hayes’ presidency was defined by his efforts to heal a nation still recovering from the Civil War and Reconstruction. His commitment to civil service reform, support for civil rights, and his decision to end Reconstruction are central to his legacy. While his presidency was marked by compromises and challenges, Hayes’ long-term impact on U.S. politics, particularly in the development of the civil service system, has been appreciated by historians. Despite the controversies surrounding the end of Reconstruction and the rise of segregation in the South, Hayes is often viewed as a man of principle who sought to bring about positive change in a difficult era.