Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes won the disputed 1876 election, one of the closest and most contested in history, decided by a special electoral commission.

The resolution, known as the Compromise of 1877, effectively ended Reconstruction: in exchange for the presidency, Hayes withdrew the last federal troops from the South, abandoning federal protection of Black civil rights for generations. As president he pursued civil-service reform and sound money. Having pledged to serve only one term, he did not seek re-election.

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