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(born Hiram Ulysses Grant) **
 * -Ulysses S. Grant-

// Date of Birth: April 27, 1822 | Date of Death: July 23, 1885 Term of Office: 1869-1877 (two terms) Vice President: Schuyler Colfax (1869-1873); Henry Wilson (1873-1875) Political Party: Republican //

Most commonly known as the man who led the Union to victory during the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant was a popular, tactful, and brave man. More reliable on the battle ground than in office, Grant was open to make new decisions and adventure into areas other presidents hadn't gone before, resulting in both good and bad outcomes. A combined effort of a successful foreign policy (with the help of secretary of state, Hamilton Fish) and an unsuccessful bout of scandals gives Ulysses S. Grant the grade of a C.

One goal that Grant had mentioned during his inaugural speech was to ratify the fifteenth amendment. By doing so, all citizens would have the right to vote, no matter what race they were or what previous "life" they had endured. He really gave his all for the amendment, even though it angered many white Southerners to see their former slaves gaining more rights. In general, Grant tried to protect African-Americans, shown by his fifteenth amendment but also by his efforts against the Ku Klux Klan, an organized group with hopes of terrorizing blacks and preventing them to join society. In addition, Grant was determined to protect the Native Americans and their land by stopping the westward movement for expansion, which had been completed for awhile under his administration.

Between Ulysses S. Grant and Congress, there was an okay relationship. One reason it was good was because most of his cabinet and board was compromised of fellow trustees from the Civil War, although the balance between the two parties was about equal. However, because he was previously tied to some of them, he had a hard time saying goodbye to anyone who wasn't doing their job efficiently. Ninety-three bills were vetoed in the time that Grant held office, which is quite a lot for eight years. Also, his resolution for the Panic of 1873 consisted of a passing of the Resumption Act, which resulted in paper currency being redeemed for gold and placing a dark shadow over the economy.

Grant's most positive decision was his agreement on the Treaty of Washington. The purpose of the treaty was to alleviate the damages made to three U.S. merchant ships during the Civil War from Britain, causing yet another "dispute" between the two nations to arise. It was agreed upon that the damages would be paid for and that the British regretted the decisions they acted upon. In September of 1871, the U.S. was given $15.5 million for the damages inflicted as well as some conflict settlements made between Britain and Canada that affected America as well. With no more tensions between the two countries, America was put at ease and Grant had gained another relationship back.

The most negative outcome of Grant's presidency, however, was the many scandals that had popped up. Many Americans, after putting some trust into him, believed these corrupt deals that had happened around him had affected the nation severely. The first scandal to arise was the Credit Mobilier. It started with railroad companies charging much more money than necessary for contracts and, with no one to turn to, seeking private deals with members of Grant's administration. Although Grant himself was not directly involved, he was still blamed for not removing anyone from their government position. The second scandal to be exposed revolved around the Whiskey Ring. Several breweries and distillers had taken excise taxes with help from government officials. Evidence of fraud had become evident, but when completely investigated it was discovered that Grant's own personal secretary was in on the crime. Indicted and brought to court, the secretary was found not guilty but was removed from office. These outbursts had given Ulysses S. Grant and his administration a bad reputation.

The fact that Grant cared so deeply and was committed to improving and helping the lives of African Americans and Native Americans stayed with several upcoming presidents. Grant persevered with allowing blacks the right to vote, and although it took awhile for the amendment to be ratified, he didn't give up, even with the scornful looks from their past "owners." Ulysses S. Grant also believed in saving the Native Americans' land and allowing them to continue living on their land in the country. It was his goal to keep westward moving pioneers from taking their land. Although this eventually fell through, he was able to put up a good fight and at least instill his perspective in the minds of others. Grant had given future presidents the insight to help others and to not exclude someone just because of their race or background.

The United States was neither better nor worse after Grant's presidency. He was a strong fighter who didn't possess the right leadership skills in a government role, which resulted in an "average" term. Often full of good intentions, Grant's ideas never caught the public appeal quite as much as he had hoped, and many times a conflict with Congress stopped his ideas from being turned into actions. Although scandals flooded his term and painted a bad image for himself, Grant had a great mind and a big heart and knew how to deal with foreign affairs, ultimately earning him a grade of a C.

"18. Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877." __The White House.__ 8 April 2010. [] Simon, John Y. "Ulysses S. Grant." __Miller Center of Public Affairs.__ 2010. 8 April 2010. [] "Ulysses S. Grant." __Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.__ 2010. 8 April 2010. []
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