Rutherford B. Hayes: America's 19th President

by Steven Otfinoski

Rutherford B. Hayes, governor of Ohio and Civil War hero, was elected president in 1876 in the most controversial electron until 2000. Hayes received 250,000 fewer votes than Democrat Samuel Tilden. However, after recounts in key states (including Florida). Hayes was declared the winner by a single electoral vote. Democrats agreed not to contest the decision if Republicans would pledge to end military occupation of Southern states. Hayes soon began removing troops, leaving the South to the Democratic party and leaving the campaign for African Americans' civil rights unfinished Despite this doubtful beginning. Hayes's integrity and fair dealing helped restore the prestige of the presidency, which had been tarnished by the scandals of the Grant administration. Hayes proposed the first civil service bill to reduce the corrupting influence of the "spoils" system and was the first president to visit the western states.

110 pages, Library Binding

First published January 9, 2003

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is more of a grade school book, I thought it was a really neat little introduction to a President I knew nothing about. I particularly enjoyed all the pictures, caricatures, and side bars. It's only around 100 pages, but I have on my to-read list, a book written by Ari Hoogenboom (Rutherford B. Hayes Warrior & President).

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Otfinoski did a very nice job of describing the life of our 19th President, Rutherford B. Hayes, and his time in and after his four years in office. One-Hundred twenty-four years before the huge dangling chad election debacle of Gore vs. Bush in 2001, Hayes's run for the post against Samuel Tilden was the most controversial. However, by the time Hayes left office after his single term he showed that he was worthy of the job title and left the presidential office in better standing than upon his entering.