What Did Ulysses S Grant Accomplish As President

Ulysses S. Grant, a name synonymous with Civil War victory, stepped into the presidency in 1869 amidst the tumultuous Reconstruction era. While his military prowess was undeniable, his presidency remains a complex and often debated period in American history. Examining what Ulysses S. Grant accomplished as president requires a nuanced understanding of the political, social, and economic challenges he faced, as well as a candid assessment of both his successes and failures. This article delves into the significant achievements of Grant's administration, highlighting his efforts to stabilize the nation, protect civil rights, and promote economic recovery in the aftermath of a devastating war.

The Landscape of Reconstruction

The United States in 1869 was a nation deeply scarred by the Civil War. The wounds of conflict were still fresh, and the process of Reconstruction was fraught with challenges. The South was in ruins, both economically and socially, and the question of how to reintegrate the Confederate states into the Union remained a pressing issue. The rights and status of newly freed African Americans were a central point of contention, with many white Southerners resisting efforts to grant them equal rights. Political corruption was rampant at all levels of government, and the nation was struggling to navigate the transition from a wartime economy to a peacetime one. This was the complex and challenging environment into which Ulysses S. Grant entered the presidency.

Grant's Core Objectives as President

Grant entered office with several key objectives in mind. Primarily, he sought to complete the process of Reconstruction and ensure the protection of civil rights for African Americans. He also aimed to stabilize the national economy and combat corruption within the government. Grant believed in a strong federal government capable of enforcing laws and protecting the rights of all citizens. He saw the Republican Party as the vehicle for achieving these goals and was committed to upholding the principles of equality and justice.

Key Accomplishments of Ulysses S. Grant's Presidency

Despite the challenges he faced and the controversies that plagued his administration, Ulysses S. Grant achieved several significant successes during his two terms as president. These accomplishments include:

• Enforcement of Civil Rights:

  • Grant made the protection of civil rights for African Americans a central focus of his presidency. He understood that true Reconstruction required not only the reintegration of the Southern states into the Union but also the guarantee of equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of race.
  • The Fifteenth Amendment: One of Grant's most significant achievements was the ratification and enforcement of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1870. This amendment prohibited the denial or abridgment of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Grant saw the Fifteenth Amendment as a crucial step in ensuring that African Americans could participate fully in the political process.
  • Enforcement Acts: To combat the widespread violence and intimidation tactics used by white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan to suppress Black voters, Grant pushed for the passage of the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871, also known as the Ku Klux Klan Acts. These acts authorized the federal government to intervene in states where civil rights were being violated, allowing federal troops to be deployed to protect Black voters and prosecute Klan members.
  • Department of Justice: Grant established the Department of Justice in 1870, with one of its primary mandates being the prosecution of civil rights violations. This marked a significant expansion of federal power and a commitment to enforcing the laws of the land, particularly in the South. Under Grant's leadership, the Department of Justice brought thousands of indictments against Klan members and other white supremacists, leading to a decline in violence and intimidation at the polls.

• Weakening the Ku Klux Klan:

  • As mentioned above, the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other white supremacist groups posed a serious threat to Reconstruction efforts and the safety of African Americans in the South. These groups used violence, intimidation, and terrorism to suppress Black voters, undermine Republican governance, and maintain white supremacy.
  • Grant recognized the gravity of the situation and made it a priority to dismantle the KKK. He signed the Enforcement Acts into law, giving the federal government broad powers to combat these groups. These acts allowed the president to suspend habeas corpus in areas where the Klan was particularly active and to deploy federal troops to restore order.
  • Under the leadership of Attorney General Amos Akerman, the Department of Justice launched a vigorous campaign against the KKK. Thousands of Klan members were arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of civil rights violations. The federal government's crackdown on the Klan significantly weakened the organization, disrupting its operations and reducing its ability to terrorize Black communities.
  • While the KKK was not completely eradicated during Grant's presidency, his administration's efforts to suppress the group were largely successful in the short term. The Klan's power and influence were significantly diminished, allowing African Americans to exercise their right to vote and participate in the political process with greater freedom.

• Indian Peace Policy:

  • Grant sought to reform the nation's policies towards Native Americans, who had been subjected to decades of displacement, violence, and broken treaties. He implemented what became known as the "Peace Policy," which aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white society through education, religious conversion, and agricultural training.
  • Grant appointed Native American advocates like Ely S. Parker, a Seneca Indian who served as his Commissioner of Indian Affairs, to oversee the implementation of the Peace Policy. He also enlisted the help of religious organizations to establish schools and missions on reservations, with the goal of civilizing and Christianizing Native American populations.
  • While the Peace Policy was well-intentioned, it was ultimately flawed and had limited success. It was based on the assumption that Native American cultures were inferior to white culture and that assimilation was the only path to survival. The policy also failed to address the underlying issues of land rights and resource control, which continued to fuel conflicts between Native Americans and white settlers.
  • Despite its shortcomings, the Peace Policy did lead to some positive outcomes. It reduced violence on the frontier, improved relations between some tribes and the government, and provided educational opportunities for some Native American children. However, it also contributed to the erosion of Native American cultures and traditions.

• Economic Policies:

  • Grant's administration inherited a national economy that was still recovering from the Civil War. He sought to stabilize the economy and promote growth through sound fiscal policies and infrastructure development.
  • The Gold Standard: Grant supported the gold standard, which tied the value of the dollar to gold. This policy was favored by many business leaders and creditors who believed it would promote stability and prevent inflation. However, it was opposed by farmers and debtors who argued that it would lead to deflation and make it harder to repay their debts.
  • The Panic of 1873: Grant's presidency was marred by the Panic of 1873, a severe economic depression that was triggered by the collapse of a major railroad investment firm. The panic led to widespread bank failures, business bankruptcies, and unemployment.
  • Grant's response to the Panic of 1873 was largely conservative. He opposed inflationary measures and supported the resumption of specie payments, which meant that the government would redeem paper money for gold at face value. These policies were controversial and did little to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the depression.
  • Infrastructure Development: Grant supported federal investment in infrastructure projects, such as railroads and canals, to promote economic growth and facilitate trade. He believed that these projects would help to connect the country and create jobs.

Challenges and Criticisms of Grant's Presidency

Despite his accomplishments, Grant's presidency was also plagued by challenges and criticisms. These include:

• Corruption: Grant's administration was marred by numerous scandals involving corruption and bribery. Several of his cabinet members and close associates were implicated in corrupt schemes, which tarnished his reputation and undermined public confidence in the government. Notable scandals included the Credit Mobilier scandal, the Whiskey Ring, and the Belknap scandal.
• Lack of Political Experience: Grant was a military hero with limited political experience when he entered the presidency. He often struggled to navigate the complex political landscape of Washington, D.C., and relied heavily on the advice of his advisors, some of whom were corrupt or incompetent.
• Economic Depression: The Panic of 1873 led to a severe economic depression that lasted for several years. Grant's conservative response to the crisis was criticized by many who believed that he should have done more to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the depression.
• Indian Policy: While Grant's Peace Policy was well-intentioned, it was ultimately flawed and had limited success. It failed to address the underlying issues of land rights and resource control, which continued to fuel conflicts between Native Americans and white settlers.
• Southern Resistance: Despite the efforts of the federal government, white Southerners continued to resist Reconstruction and the protection of civil rights for African Americans. The rise of white supremacist groups like the KKK and the widespread use of violence and intimidation tactics made it difficult to enforce federal laws and protect Black voters.

A Balanced Assessment

Ulysses S. Grant's presidency is a complex and multifaceted period in American history. While his administration was marred by corruption and scandal, he also achieved several significant successes, particularly in the area of civil rights enforcement. Grant's commitment to protecting the rights of African Americans and dismantling the Ku Klux Klan was a defining feature of his presidency. His efforts to stabilize the national economy and promote economic growth were also noteworthy, although they were ultimately overshadowed by the Panic of 1873.

Evaluating Grant's legacy requires a balanced assessment of his strengths and weaknesses. He was a man of integrity and courage who was committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens. However, he also lacked political experience and was often let down by the corruption and incompetence of his advisors.

FAQ: Ulysses S. Grant's Presidency

• Q: What was Ulysses S. Grant's greatest achievement as president?
  • A: Arguably, his greatest achievement was the enforcement of civil rights, particularly the passage and enforcement of the Fifteenth Amendment and the suppression of the Ku Klux Klan.
• Q: What was the biggest challenge Grant faced as president?
  • A: He faced numerous challenges, including widespread corruption within his administration, economic instability following the Panic of 1873, and resistance to Reconstruction in the South.
• Q: Was Grant a successful president?
  • A: Grant's presidency is viewed differently by historians. While he had significant achievements in civil rights, the corruption scandals and economic downturns during his tenure have led to mixed assessments.
• Q: What was Grant's Indian Peace Policy?
  • A: It was a policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans into white society through education, religious conversion, and agricultural training.
• Q: What impact did the Panic of 1873 have on Grant's presidency?
  • A: The Panic of 1873 led to a severe economic depression that overshadowed Grant's second term and was widely blamed on his administration's economic policies.

Conclusion

Ulysses S. Grant's presidency remains a subject of ongoing debate and historical analysis. His accomplishments in protecting civil rights and combating white supremacist violence were significant and helped to lay the foundation for a more just and equitable society. However, his administration was also plagued by corruption and scandal, which tarnished his reputation and undermined public confidence in the government.

Ultimately, Grant's legacy is a complex and nuanced one. He was a flawed but well-intentioned leader who faced enormous challenges in the aftermath of the Civil War. While his presidency may not have been perfect, his commitment to equality and justice remains an inspiration to this day. How do you think Grant's military background shaped his approach to the presidency, and do you believe his successes outweigh his failures in the long run?