Hayes offered to help the state of Ohio when the Civil War broke out. Governor William Dennison made him a major in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was in a lot of battles and was wounded 4 times and rose to the rank of major general. And later as a counsel for the "underground railroad" he was responsible for runaway slaves win their freedom. He won the 1876 election only after the creation of a special commission to decide disputed Electoral votes. He also announced in advance that he would serve only one term and when was asked to run for a second term honored that decision. His money policies helped make the country's business and industry stronger. He was in favor of civil service reform, and pointed people on their qualifications, not party affiliation alone.

He also signed a bill that, for the first time, allowed women attorneys to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. To the approval of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Mrs. Hayes carried out her husband's orders to banish wines and liquors from the White House. Hayes withdrew all of the remaining federal troops from the South and set aside funds for improvements in the South. Hayes spent his retirement working toward prison reform and creating educational opportunities for Southern black youth. Hayes also was sympathetic with minorities, the poor, and immigrants. He believed that education and proper training would help all people achieve better lives.