America 250 · #19 President · 1877–1881
Rutherford B. Hayes
Won the most disputed election in history and ended Reconstruction to do it.
The biography
Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President
Ari Hoogenboom · 1995
Sympathetic to his reform impulses; honest about the 1877 bargain.
Worth considering
Rutherford B. Hayes
Hans L. Trefousse · 2002
American Presidents Series — concise.
Common questions
What is the best biography of Rutherford B. Hayes?
The definitive biography of Rutherford B. Hayes is Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President by Ari Hoogenboom. It provides a comprehensive look at his life and his time in office, covering his role in the 1876 election and the end of Reconstruction.
Should I start with Ari Hoogenboom's biography of Rutherford B. Hayes?
Yes, Ari Hoogenboom's work is considered the standard starting point for studying Rutherford B. Hayes. It offers a detailed analysis of his presidency, including the disputed election of 1876 and his decision to end Reconstruction, which are central to understanding his historical legacy.
Are there other good biographies of Rutherford B. Hayes besides the one by Ari Hoogenboom?
While Ari Hoogenboom's biography is the definitive choice, readers looking for an alternative may consider other scholarly works on Rutherford B. Hayes. These options provide different perspectives on his presidency, specifically focusing on the most disputed election in American history and the conclusion of the Reconstruction era.
How does Rutherford B. Hayes's presidency impact his biographies?
Biographies of Rutherford B. Hayes focus heavily on his 1877–1881 term because of the unique circumstances surrounding his election. Authors examine how he navigated the most disputed election in history and the political consequences of his decision to end Reconstruction during his time in the White House.
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