Hayes, Rutherford B. (1822–1893)

• Author: Paul Finkelman
• Pages: 1280

Page 1280

An Ohio lawyer and CIVIL WAR general, Rutherford Birchard Hayes briefly served in Congress and was thrice elected Governor. A compromise Republican presidential candidate in 1876, Hayes received a minority of the popular vote and probably should not have been elected. However, the electoral vote was uncertain because of disputed results in South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, and Oregon. Claims of vote fraud and threats of civil war led to a crisis which was resolved by the COMPROMISE OF 1876 which gave the election to Hayes on the condition that federal troops would be removed from the South. During his Presidency the rights of the freedmen were severely undermined as Reconstruction came to an end.

PAUL FINKELMAN

(1986)

Bibliography

DAVISON, KENNETH E. 1972 The Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes....