mittvsfact.com – Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States, is perhaps one of the more underappreciated figures in American history. His rise to the White House, particularly his path from a decorated Civil War general to the leader of a nation in turmoil, is a story of personal integrity, political maneuvering, and a commitment to national healing. Hayes’ journey to the presidency, marked by his unwavering sense of duty, is a testament to his perseverance and vision. This article explores the evolution of Rutherford B. Hayes, from his early years to his election as president, examining the events and decisions that shaped his path to the White House.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Leader
A Humble Beginning
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on October 4, 1822, in Delaware, Ohio. His father, Rutherford Hayes Sr., died before Hayes was born, leaving his mother, Sophia, to raise him and his two siblings. Despite their modest means, Hayes’ mother was a devout woman who was determined to provide a good education for her children.
Hayes excelled in his studies from an early age. His academic potential was evident, and he enrolled at Kenyon College in Ohio, where he graduated in 1842 with high honors. Hayes went on to study law at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1845. Afterward, he returned to Ohio, where he passed the bar and began practicing law. Although he was a promising lawyer, Hayes soon turned his attention to public service—a decision that would shape his future and the future of the nation.
The Abolitionist Influence
Hayes was a man of strong convictions, and his views on slavery and the treatment of African Americans were central to his political beliefs. As a young man, he was deeply influenced by the abolitionist movement, which sought to end slavery in the United States. Hayes, a staunch abolitionist, aligned himself with the Republican Party as it emerged as the leading political force advocating for the abolition of slavery and the protection of civil rights.
This commitment to justice and equality would later be reflected in his military service and presidential policies. Hayes was not only a product of his environment but also an active participant in the moral and political changes taking place in America during the 19th century.
The Civil War: A General in the Fight for the Union
Hayes’ Military Career
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Rutherford B. Hayes felt compelled to serve his country. His legal career was on hold as he enlisted as a major in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Hayes’ leadership skills quickly became apparent, and he rose through the ranks, eventually earning a commission as a brevet major general.
During the war, Hayes fought in several key battles, including South Mountain, Antietam, and the Siege of Petersburg. His leadership and bravery on the battlefield earned him the admiration of his fellow officers and soldiers. Hayes was wounded several times, including a serious injury at the Battle of South Mountain, but his determination to continue serving earned him further respect. His experiences in the war shaped his views on national unity and loyalty to the Union, values that would define his political career.
Hayes’ wartime service also fostered a deep sense of responsibility to the nation. His commitment to the Union cause and his leadership during such a turbulent time laid the groundwork for his later political ambitions.
Reputation as a Leader
Throughout his military service, Hayes developed a reputation for being a principled and effective leader. He was known for his fairness, respect for his soldiers, and a deep belief in the importance of unity for the nation’s survival. His actions during the war earned him accolades, but his true legacy in the military would be his role in preserving the Union and fighting for the future of the United States.
After the war, Hayes was not content to simply retire to civilian life. His wartime experiences shaped his views on political service, and he saw his role as a way to contribute to the healing of the nation. He was determined to help reconstruct a nation that had been deeply divided, and his service as a general became a stepping stone toward his future as a political leader.
Political Career: Governor and Advocate for Reform
Governor of Ohio
After the Civil War, Rutherford B. Hayes returned to Ohio, where he resumed his law practice. However, the devastation of the war and his growing sense of duty to the country led him to seek public office. In 1867, Hayes was elected governor of Ohio. During his two terms as governor, Hayes became known for his progressive views on civil rights and his commitment to reform.
Hayes was a strong advocate for education, especially for African Americans in the South. He also supported the protection of civil rights for freed slaves and worked to advance racial equality, despite the growing resistance from Southern states. As governor, Hayes worked to improve the Ohio public school system and promoted infrastructure projects to benefit the state’s economy.
During his tenure, Hayes also became a fierce opponent of corruption, which was rampant in both the state and federal governments. His dedication to reform earned him a reputation as a man of integrity, and his commitment to honesty and good governance set him apart from other political leaders of the time.
The 1876 Presidential Election: A Contested Race
By the time Rutherford B. Hayes began considering national office, he had already established himself as a respected leader. In 1876, when the presidency came open, Hayes was urged by his party to run for the highest office. Hayes initially hesitated, as he had a strong sense of duty to Ohio and did not seek the presidency for personal gain. However, recognizing the nation’s political needs and the tumultuous political climate, he decided to enter the race.
The 1876 election, however, was far from ordinary. The contest between Hayes, the Republican candidate, and Samuel J. Tilden, the Democratic candidate, would become one of the most disputed and controversial elections in American history. Tilden won the popular vote by a significant margin, but several Southern states were contested due to allegations of voter fraud and violence, leading to a deadlock in the electoral college.
The Compromise of 1877
To resolve the electoral crisis, Congress created a special Electoral Commission, which ultimately awarded the disputed electoral votes to Hayes. Despite Tilden’s victory in the popular vote, Hayes was declared the winner by a narrow margin of 185 to 184 in the electoral college.
This victory came with a heavy price: in exchange for conceding the presidency to Hayes, Republicans agreed to several concessions aimed at the Southern Democrats, including the withdrawal of federal troops from the South. This marked the end of Reconstruction, a controversial period that sought to integrate the South and protect the rights of freed African Americans.
While the decision to withdraw federal troops from the South allowed Hayes to assume office, it also had profound and long-lasting consequences for African Americans in the South, as it led to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial segregation. The Compromise of 1877, which sealed Hayes’ path to the White House, remains one of the most debated political deals in U.S. history.
The Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes
A Focus on Civil Service Reform
Upon taking office, Hayes quickly focused on restoring integrity to the federal government. One of his most significant accomplishments was his advocacy for civil service reform. The spoils system, which rewarded political supporters with government jobs, had become deeply entrenched in American politics, and Hayes believed it undermined the effectiveness of government. He issued an executive order banning political donations by federal employees and called for a merit-based system of hiring in the civil service.
Hayes’ efforts to reform the federal government laid the groundwork for future reforms, including the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which formally established a merit-based system for federal employment.
Economic Stability and the Gold Standard
Another major issue during Hayes’ presidency was the nation’s economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, a severe depression. Hayes was a strong proponent of the gold standard, believing it would help stabilize the economy. Although he faced resistance from some factions in his party, his efforts to support the gold standard ultimately helped guide the nation toward economic stability.
Ending Reconstruction and Promoting National Reconciliation
Hayes’ presidency also marked the end of Reconstruction, a period that had been fraught with tension and conflict. In exchange for his disputed election victory, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, which effectively ended the efforts to protect the rights of African Americans in the region. While this decision has been widely criticized for its consequences, it was a strategic move designed to bring national healing after the divisiveness of the Civil War.
Legacy and Final Years
After completing his one term as president, Rutherford B. Hayes retired from public life and returned to his home in Ohio. He remained active in promoting education and civil rights causes but largely refrained from engaging in partisan politics. His legacy is mixed—while his civil service reforms and focus on national unity are remembered as major achievements, his decision to end Reconstruction and withdraw federal troops from the South left a complex and controversial legacy regarding race relations in the country.
Conclusion
Rutherford B. Hayes’ journey from a Union general to the White House is a remarkable story of leadership, principle, and service. From his early years as a lawyer and abolitionist to his decorated service in the Civil War, Hayes demonstrated a commitment to the values of unity and justice. His presidency, though marred by the contentious nature of his election, was focused on civil service reform, economic stability, and healing the wounds of the Civil War. While his time in office was brief, his legacy as a leader who sought to restore the nation’s integrity and unity remains an important chapter in American history.