Rutherford B Hayes Apush Definition

Rutherford B. Hayes: A Comprehensive Look at the 19th President in APUSH Context

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, often receives less attention in AP US History (APUSH) courses than his more flamboyant predecessors and successors. However, his presidency, though relatively brief and marked by intense political maneuvering, significantly shaped the course of Reconstruction and the nation's future. Understanding Hayes’s presidency requires examining his contested election, his approach to Reconstruction, and his broader impact on the Gilded Age. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Rutherford B. Hayes within the context of APUSH, exploring his life, presidency, and lasting legacy.

Introduction: A Contested Election and a Compromised Presidency

Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency (1877-1881) is inextricably linked to the controversial election of 1876. The election pitted Republican Hayes against Democrat Samuel J. Tilden, and the results were intensely disputed, particularly in several Southern states. Allegations of widespread voter fraud and intimidation, especially targeting African American voters, fueled the controversy. The situation escalated to a point where the outcome was unclear, leading to a political crisis. This uncertainty eventually led to the creation of a special Electoral Commission, which ultimately awarded the presidency to Hayes by a single electoral vote. This resolution, often referred to as the Compromise of 1877, remains a contentious period in American history, highlighting the fragility of democracy and the enduring legacy of racial prejudice. This compromise effectively ended Reconstruction, a period of immense social and political change in the post-Civil War South.

The Compromise of 1877 and the End of Reconstruction

The Compromise of 1877, while securing Hayes's presidency, came at a significant cost. In exchange for accepting Hayes as president, Democrats demanded the withdrawal of federal troops from the Southern states. This action marked the effective end of Reconstruction and the beginning of a period of increasing disenfranchisement for African Americans in the South. The Compromise signaled a shift in national priorities, away from the focus on racial equality and civil rights that had characterized the Reconstruction Era. This represented a major setback for the progress made in securing equal rights for African Americans following the Civil War. Hayes, in his desire for national unity, prioritized reconciliation over continued efforts to secure civil rights for Black citizens, a decision that carries significant weight in assessing his legacy.

Hayes's Presidency: Civil Service Reform and Other Initiatives

Despite the controversial circumstances of his election, Hayes made some notable attempts at reforming the federal government. He championed civil service reform, aiming to reduce the influence of patronage (the spoils system) in government appointments. He established a merit-based system for filling certain government positions, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. While his efforts were limited in scope, they represented an important first step toward a more professionalized and less partisan civil service. This effort aligns with the broader progressive reform movement that would gain traction later in the century.

Beyond civil service reform, Hayes's administration also saw efforts towards regulating railroads. The growing influence of powerful railroad corporations presented a significant challenge, and Hayes attempted to address the issue through enforcement of existing laws and investigations into railroad practices. However, more comprehensive regulatory measures would have to wait until later administrations. His focus on economic reform, while not as impactful as his civil service efforts, nonetheless reflects the growing concerns about the imbalances of wealth and power that characterized the Gilded Age.

Hayes and Native American Policy

Hayes's administration also played a significant role in shaping US policy towards Native Americans. While earlier administrations had pursued policies of forced assimilation and removal, Hayes attempted to adopt a more humane approach, although this was often inconsistent in practice. He sought to protect Native American lands and promote peaceful coexistence. However, the pressures of westward expansion and the desire for resources often undermined these intentions, contributing to continued conflict and displacement of Native American populations. This inconsistency highlights the complexities of dealing with this fraught issue during this period.

The Significance of Rutherford B. Hayes in APUSH

Understanding Rutherford B. Hayes’s presidency is crucial for comprehending several key themes in APUSH:

• Reconstruction: Hayes's presidency marks the official end of Reconstruction, a period of immense social and political upheaval and the subsequent decline in the protection of African American civil rights. His administration's role in the Compromise of 1877 cemented the retreat from federal intervention in the South.

• Political Corruption and Reform: Hayes's efforts at civil service reform represent a notable attempt to address the pervasive corruption of the Gilded Age. His actions were a precursor to the broader progressive reform movements of the early 20th century.

• The Gilded Age: Hayes's presidency occurred during the height of the Gilded Age, a period of rapid industrialization, economic expansion, and significant social inequality. His administration grappled with the challenges posed by industrial growth and the concentration of wealth and power.

• Westward Expansion: The policies implemented during Hayes's administration towards Native Americans directly reflect the ongoing process of westward expansion and its brutal impact on indigenous populations.

• The Presidency and Compromise: The Compromise of 1877 underscores the complex political dynamics of the time and the often-difficult choices faced by presidents in navigating competing interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the most significant event of Hayes's presidency? Arguably, the most significant event was the Compromise of 1877, which effectively ended Reconstruction and shaped the political landscape of the South for decades to come.

• How did Hayes's presidency impact the Civil Rights Movement? The Compromise of 1877 severely undermined the progress made during Reconstruction in securing civil rights for African Americans, setting back the movement considerably.

• Was Hayes a successful president? Whether Hayes was a "successful" president is a matter of interpretation. He achieved some reforms, but his legacy is complicated by his role in ending Reconstruction. His administration's focus on national reconciliation came at a steep price for racial equality in the South.

• How did Hayes's policies affect Native Americans? Hayes's policies towards Native Americans were mixed. While he attempted to promote peace and protect Native American lands, these efforts often clashed with the realities of westward expansion and resulted in continued displacement and hardship for Native American communities.

• What is the significance of the Electoral Commission of 1877? The Electoral Commission was established to resolve the disputed 1876 election. Its decision to award the presidency to Hayes ultimately shaped the course of Reconstruction and further entrenched racial inequalities in the South.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

Rutherford B. Hayes’s presidency remains a complex and often controversial topic in APUSH. While his efforts at civil service reform and his attempts at more humane Native American policies deserve recognition, the enduring impact of the Compromise of 1877 overshadows these achievements. His administration’s role in ending Reconstruction, with its resulting consequences for racial equality, significantly shapes his historical assessment. He represents a pivotal moment in American history, where the pursuit of national unity came at the expense of pursuing racial justice, illustrating the difficult choices and lasting consequences of political compromise. Understanding Hayes’s presidency necessitates a nuanced approach, acknowledging both his accomplishments and the heavy price paid for political expediency. His legacy continues to fuel discussions about the balance between national unity, political compromise, and the fight for social justice. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of his presidency is vital for any student of APUSH.