#30: Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881)
Rutherford B. Hayes wanted fairness for everyone during a time called Reconstruction. But when he pulled out federal troops from the South, things went downhill fast. Southern states then made laws that kept black people separate from white people, leading to even more unfair treatment.
Hayes’ move didn’t help. It showed how tough it was to make things right after the Civil War, leaving a lasting mark on America’s journey toward equality. Rutherford B. Hayes’ presidency serves as a stark reminder of Reconstruction’s challenges and lasting impact, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality in American history.