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Ulysses Simpson Grant Born: April 27, 1822 Died: July 23, 1885 Political Party: Republican Terms: 1869-1873 and 1873-1875 Vice President: Schuyler Colfax and Henry Wilson

Ulysses S. Grant was a great war mind, and a shabby political mind. It was widely accepted that Grant was a horrible judge of character while in the oval office. Most of his decisions in office, such as the Santo Domingo, were greatly disliked by congress and the American public. Along with great politcal inexperience, Grant's cabinet was seen as very corrupt. His whole administration was underwhelming. Grant deserves a D as president.

Grant's main goal going into the oval office was to reunite the North and South, post civil war. Grant strongly agreed with former President Lincoln's policies on reconstruction and reuniting the two parts of the USA. This goal was ultimately not achieved by Grant, despite his efforts to peacefully reconcile with the South. Another goal of Grant was to disenvow himself from the mess and ugliness of politics. This is where Grant could have gone wrong mosst. He appointed people he trusted, instead of people who should have been appointed, to his Presidential Cabinet. The people he trusted used their power to acquire personal gains. Corruption began to sprout from within Grant's administration. HIs last main goal was to protect what the North had gained from winning the war. He wished to protect freed slaves and keep Confederates to rise to any position of political power. This goal was achieved through the Enforcement Acts that Grant put in place to protect slaves. These Acts promoted the suppression of groups such as the KKK, which openly, and often violently, discriminate against blacks. Grant achieved free of his main goals, but the one that he did achieve helped the newly freed slaves in America live in less fear.

Grant had an almost terrible relationship with Congress. Both houses of Congress were Republican controlled during both of his terms. Even though Grant was also a Republican, Grant and Congress had a great lack of communication. The corruption surrounding Grant's administration increased the strain in the relationship because Congress wished to not be involved or related to Grant's scandals and misgivings. Also, Grant was reluctant to communicate with Congress on policies and appointments.Both of these factors led to a very strained, and for the most part poor, relationship with Congress.

The most positive thing that Grant did throughout his terms of presidency was the Treaty of Washington in 1871. This treaty stated that Britain owed America 15.5 million dollars from naval obstruction of America's ships brought on by the British made South ship, Alabama. Alabama destroyed many of Northern ships. This treaty was peacefully negotiated and completed. This further showed Britain that America would not tolerate injustice from America's 'Mother Country'. Grant's scandals and corruptions were the most negative thing that came out of Grant's administration, by a long shot. One of the most infamous scandals was the Black Friday scandal, administered by Jay Gould and James Fisk. These men looked to use their power in governement to buy golc and sky-rocket the prices, making a lrage profit. Their scheme was unsuccessful when George Boutwell, Treasury of State, foiled their plans. This incident, and other scandals, tainted Grant's administration.

The most impactful decision made by Grant and his administration had to be the promotion or ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, which stated that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude". This allowed blacks, former slaves, and other minorities to vote. This Amendment was a giant leap in civil rights and equality for miniorities in the US. This Amendment has definitely influenced the lives of Americans for years afterwards.

Grant had many poor decisions throughout his presidency and his administrationw as forever marked by the taint of scandal and corruption. Grant truly did have the best interest of the nation at heart, but faced great diversity with a country torn in two after a civil war and the struggles of reconstruction. Ultimately, Grant did not please the American people of make many good decisions for his country. This is why Ulysses S. Grant deserves no higher than a D. Bibliography:

"American Experience | Ulysses S. Grant | People & Events | Rise of the Ku Klux Klan." //PBS: Public Broadcasting Service//. Web. 11 Nov. 2010. <[]>.

"American President: Ulysses Simpson Grant." Miller Center of Public Affairs. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <[]>. DeGregorio, William A., and Sandra Lee. Stuart. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents//. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade, 2009. Print.