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Ulysses S. Grant  April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885 Political Party: Republican Terms: March 4, 1869 – March 4, 1873; March 4, 1873 – March 5, 1877 (2 terms) Vice President: Schuyler Colfax, 1869-1873; Henry Wilson, 1873-1875 (died in office)

Although Ulysses S. Grant was known as a credible General during the war, his presidency was not as successful. Grant,the eighteenth president, deserves a C for his two terms in office. Throughout his presidency there was political corruption, and the Panic of 1873. However, a couple of decent decisions were made, such as the 15th Amendment and the Alabama Claims. Thus, leaving the resolution that Grant was not an outstanding president but he was able to hold steady grounds.

Within Grant's first Inaugural Address, he stated two goals referring to the Native Americans and the United States' debt. Grant attempted to carry out his goal with the Native Americans by the Peace Policy. However, the Indians were predominantly being pushed off of their land by the Americans even though they had established governments and were told it was their land. The Peace Policy was a failed attempt to strengthen the relationship between Native Americans and the United States. Furthermore, the goal Grant had mentioned about trying to fix the United States debt was not achieved either. This was clearly proven when the Panic of 1873 broke out. On the other hand, Grant was avid about reconstruction in the nation. He wished to meet the needs of the recently freed slaves and have the South agree to, once again, join the Union. His goals seemed to contradict themselves as he saw when he tried helping the freed slaves from the South and the southern whites became outraged, not wanting to go back to the Union.

During grants time in office he had a fairly decent relationship with Congress. Throughout the 41st-43rd Congresses the Senate and the House both had a majority of Republicans. However, that changed in the 45th Congress when the majority became Democratic. For the duration of his terms in office, Grant vetoed 94 bills, of which only 4 were overridden. In view of the fact that Grant believed in Jacksonian Democracy, he felt the executive branch did not need more power and that state governments, as well as Congress, should receive much of the responsibility. Tension arose in Congress when Grant did not assume the presidential role as a party leader. When southern whites began to protest against his reconstruction Congress obliged The Force Bill of 1870 and the Ku Klux Klan Act f 1871, both of which expanded Grants power.

The big success of Grants residency was the Treaty of Washington in 1871. Throughout the Civil War, some of Britain was in support of the South because of cotton. As a show of their support they made warships, such as the Alabama, which in return attacked Union ships. America felt that Britain was in the wrong doing and demanded compensation for the damages made. Britain agreed to pay the United States 15.5 million dollars for inflicted damages made on warships. The Treaty of Washington helped to strengthen Americas crucial relationship with Britain, allowed for internal arbitration to be accepted more easily and provided money for damages.

Without doubt the worst "decision" made during Grants' Presidency was the political corruption and scandals. Despite the fact that Grant was not specifically involved with any of the scandals, his Cabinet and Congressman took part in the unjust action. The Credit Mobilier, in which Congressman bought stock to keep struggling companies afloat, resulted in unfair business. To continue, a secretary and general that Grant had appointed, General John McDonald and Orville Babcock, cheated the government out of millions of dollars during the Whiskey Ring. Grants' personal secretary, Orville Babcock, was charged with cheating the government out of tax dollars. When Babcock was called to testify, Grant sent a personal letter swearing that Babcock was innocent. Without Grants' help, Babcock would have been convicted. In resolution, it is evident that Grant invested too much trust in his administration and allowed much corruption to go by under his nose.

The most influential decision made during Grants time in office was the 15th Amendment. Grants belief in social justice helped the men of any color or race the freedom to vote. This Amendment was a huge turning point in American history because anyone(male) of the age of 18 was legally allowed to vote and voice their opinion, whereas before, they were not. It is evident that today this Amendment is still standing strong and upholding its morals. The future of America was changed in numerous ways, such as the beginning of a strong urge for woman's suffrage.

To conclude, America was neither hindered nor in benefit from Grants presidency. Grant was productive in strengthening ties with Britain and social equality throughout America but he was also very passive in dealing with political corruption and was not very successful in completing his goals. Overall, Ulysses S. Grant deserved his grade of C for his time spent in office.

Sources

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"American President: Ulysses S. Grant: Foreign Affairs." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 April 2010. []. ======

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 Bailey, Thomas A., Lizabeth Cohen, and David M. Kennedy. //The American Pageant: A History of the Republic //. 12 ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print. ======

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 "List of United States Presidential Vetoes." Wikipedi, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 05 Apr. 2010. <[]>. ======