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(April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) **** Two Terms: **** March 4, 1869 **** – **** March 4, 1877 **
 * Ulysses S. Grant
 * Vice President: Schuyler Colfax (1869-1873) **
 * Henry Wilson (1873–1875) **
 * None (1875-1877) **

Ulysses S. Grant, the great general, was a poor president. The vastness of corruption in the government and extreme economic woes overcame his landmark civil rights policies. Not even a bloody shirt could hide his faults. During Grant’s two terms as president, he earned a lowly C.

When Grant first took office, his goals were limited. The ever-ongoing process of Reconstruction was still underway after the fumbling of the situation by Johnson. By this time, however, America was tired of the state of affairs and did not want to commit more time or resources to resolve the problem. Grant took a very passive approach and did not strongly outline a plan to continue Reconstruction. The Jim Crow laws, Black Codes, and the emergence of the KKK ultimately riddled any hope for further Southern rebuilding. The second goal of his administration to pass the 15th Amendment was more successful. With strong support from the North, it was enacted within a year after his inauguration.

Grant’s relationship with Congress was exceptional compared to the rest of his time in office. With a Republican majority, he passed countless legislation. In addition to the acts for black rights explained in the next segment, he signed into law the Amnesty Act of 1872. In an effort to speed along Reconstruction, it removed voting and office-holding restrictions on former Confederates, although still barring some 500 upper echelon officers. In 1875, he authorized the Resumption of Specie Act, providing for the exchange of greenback paper money into gold starting in 1879. Enacted during the Panic of 1873, it actually made the depression worse but brought up the credit of the American dollar. He also approved the Act of Dedication, making Yellowstone the first national park in the United States. The bills established by Grant were diverse and numerous, marking a great conjunction between him and Congress.

** Grant’s most positive doings were the great strides in civil rights made during his administration. Starting with the 15th Amendment, many acts were passed to protect blacks and extend their freedoms. For example, as the Klu Klux Klan formed, Grant quickly established the Klu Klux Klan Act to allow federal troops to intervene and federal courts to prosecute Klan members. In the following years, Klan membership sharply dropped and hundreds were convicted. In 1870 and 1871, the use of force, terror, and bribery to coerce voters to stay away from the polls were outlawed through the Force Acts. Right on the heels of these he signed a bill creating the Department of Justice, increasing the power of the government in enforcing constitutional rights. Lastly, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 guaranteed all citizens equal treatment in public facilities. On a different note, Grant also supported the Indian Peace Policy. It lead the federal government to recognize Native Americans as individuals rather than simply tribes and started the path to Indians becoming citizens. Furthermore, it provided medical and educational programs and much food and clothing were donated to reservations. Grant took considerable interest in the rights of minorities and accomplished much in this respect from the very beginning of his presidency. These various acts held much influence and many created a precursor for the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. **

Grant’s most positive doings were the great strides in civil rights made during his administration. Starting with the 15th Amendment, many acts were passed to protect blacks and extend their freedoms. For example, as the Klu Klux Klan formed, Grant quickly established the Klu Klux Klan Act to allow federal troops to intervene and federal courts to prosecute Klan members. In the following years, Klan membership sharply dropped and hundreds were convicted. In 1870 and 1871, the use of force, terror, and bribery to coerce voters to stay away from the polls were outlawed through the Force Acts. Right on the heels of these he signed a bill creating the Department of Justice, increasing the power of the government in enforcing constitutional rights. Lastly, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 guaranteed all citizens equal treatment in public facilities. On a different note, Grant also supported the Indian Peace Policy. It lead the federal government to recognize Native Americans as individuals rather than simply tribes and started the path to Indians becoming citizens. Furthermore, it provided medical and educational programs and much food and clothing were donated to reservations. Grant took considerable interest in the rights of minorities and accomplished much in this respect from the very beginning of his presidency. These various acts held much influence and many created a precursor for the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s.

Grant didn’t have much influence on future presidencies, but his future influence on American society was great. His many civil rights reforms assembled a basis for the movement that would envelope the country less than a century later.


 * Bibliography:

1. "Ulysses S. Grant - Life & Career." //Welcome to the Website of the Grant Monument Association//. Web. 12 Nov. 2009. .

2. "Grant Homepage." //Index of// /. Web. 12 Nov. 2009. .

3. "American President: Ulysses S. Grant: A Life in Brief." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. Web. 12 Nov. 2009. . **