18. Rutherford B. Hayes –IQ score: 133.93
Long before becoming America’s 19th president (1877–1881), Rutherford B. Hayes spent nearly a year working in a law office, gaining hands-on experience that would shape his future. A Harvard law graduate, Hayes was a passionate advocate for equality, earning a reputation as an idealist for defending runaway slaves in court—a bold move that reflected his deep moral convictions.
As president, Hayes focused on healing a divided nation. He pushed for civil service reform to combat corruption and create a more efficient government. He also worked to ease the lingering tensions from the Civil War and Reconstruction, striving to foster unity between the North and South. Despite his efforts, the deep-rooted racial and social divides of the time proved too entrenched to overcome, and a lasting resolution remained out of reach.
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