Party: Republican
Fact One: The election of this president was surrounded in controversy over fraud in a few swing states. The president was eventually chosen by an Electoral Commission.
Fact Two: His wife was not a fan of alcohol, so the White House was dry during his presidency. This actually helped bring the Prohibitionists to the Republican Party.
Fact Three: He ended Reconstruction mostly because of his own contested election and the Southern Democrats created a strong voting bloc that would not grant funding to the military to garrison the South.
Fact Four: During a railroad strike, many cities erupted into riots and chaos, which led many state leaders to request military aid. Unfortunately the riots spread from Pittsburgh to many other cities and he was forced to send troops to protect federal property. Fortunately no soldiers were killed, nor did they kill any protesters.
Fact Five: This president tried to end federal cronyism. Instead of rewarding supporters with federal jobs, the government would use a civil service exam. This was shot down by Congress, but it became popular enough with the people that it eventually was passed.
Quotes:
“Free government cannot long endure if property is largely in a few hands, and large masses of people are unable to earn homes, education, and a support in old age.”
“One of the tests of the civilization of people is the treatment of its criminals.”
“Nothing brings out the lower traits of human nature like office-seeking.”
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