Rutherford B. Hayes (1822 – 1893) was the 19th president of the United States (1877 – 1881) and a Union general during the Civil War. A reformist Republican, he ended Reconstruction and promoted civil service reform, but his presidency remains controversial due to the disputed election of 1876.
Born in Ohio, Hayes became a successful lawyer before serving in Congress and as governor. During the Civil War, he was wounded multiple times and earned a reputation for bravery. In 1876, he won the presidency through the Compromise of 1877, despite losing the popular vote to Samuel Tilden. The agreement secured his election but led to the withdrawal of federal troops from the South, effectively ending Reconstruction and allowing discriminatory Jim Crow laws to take hold.
As president, Hayes advocated for merit-based civil service reform, vetoed inflationary monetary policies, and opposed corruption. His administration faced labor unrest, notably the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, which he quelled by deploying federal troops.
Hayes honored his pledge not to seek re-election and retired to Ohio, dedicating his later years to education and social causes. Though ranked as an average president, his legacy remains significant in discussions on civil rights and government reform.