a) Rutherford B. Hayes

Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, was the first to use the telephone in the White House, a reflection of the era’s technological advancements. Hayes, who served from 1877 to 1881, is also known for ending the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. His administration removed federal troops from the South, effectively ending the federal government’s direct involvement in Southern state affairs. Hayes’ use of the telephone symbolizes the period’s technological progress, while his presidency marked a significant transition in American history, particularly in terms of the post-Civil War reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.