What Did Grant Do As President?

Grant was an accomplished general and president, but his two terms in office were filled with drama. He had to contend with corruption, scandals within his administration, the Panic of 1873 that created an economic catastrophe (the Panic), the 15th Amendment, Reconstruction, Ku Klux Klan violence, as well as war threats from Great Britain and Spain. Throughout it all, he remained dedicated to serving his nation.

The Civil War

Grant entered the presidency with an impressive military record. His victories during the Civil War included the Battle of Shiloh and his assault on Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Grant is credited with upholding Civil Rights for blacks in the South and dismantling the Ku Klux Klan. He supported ratifying the Fifteenth Amendment and advocated for an end to slavery in America.

His administration implemented some commendable reforms such as Civil Service Reform and low tariffs. He was an ardent supporter of the gold standard and advocated a sound money policy; however, his administration endured scandals such as Black Friday gold speculation fraud in 1869.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction, which began after the Civil War and sought to grant newly freed Black people the same rights as white people, marked a time of great transformation. In many Southern states, blacks and poor whites alike were voting and holding political office for the first time.

However, this new power was a source of terror for many plantation owners and other traditional White citizens. As such, white paramilitary groups such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) rose up to disrupt political organization and terrorize Blacks.

Grant used federal power to curb the growth of the KKK in the South and help Whites regain control of southern states through classically liberal, pro-civil service reform legislation. In 1873, however, a whiskey scandal known as “Whiskey Ring” occurred which enabled distillers to cheat on taxes in exchange for political contributions and bribes from White officials.

The Gold Rush

In January 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California – sparking off an unprecedented migration of peoples from all over the world, known as “Gold Rush”. This discovery marked a landmark moment for California and America alike.

Though it did not lead to enormous wealth, the Gold Rush caused mass migrations of people from many corners of the globe and spurred major economic development. It also created new technologies and enabled construction of roads, bridges, ferries and wagons in order to transport large groups of prospectors.

Though some early Gold Rush miners made huge fortunes, others struggled to survive as they worked in the mines. To feed themselves and their families, many turned to California’s abundant agricultural resources.

The War Between the States

The War Between the States marked a period of profound political and military transformation in American history. It also served to solidify and extend certain fundamental principles of American democracy.

President Grant assumed office in March 1869 and worked to unite North and South, as well as promote civil rights. He championed the Fifteenth Amendment which guaranteed voting rights to citizens of all races.

Grant faced many difficulties during his tenure as president. He had to contend with an apathetic Northern public, violent terrorist organizations in the South, and a factional Republican party.

He also worked to safeguard the fundamental rights of southern Black people while suppressing the Ku Klux Klan and their violence. Although his efforts were often met with criticism, he ultimately succeeded in achieving his desired results.

The Presidency

Grant did not seek or desire to become President of the United States and entered the White House with great hesitation. While he achieved great success as a General during the Civil War, his administration was marred by corruption and scandal.

His presidency has since been considered among the worst in American history. His appointees were found to siphon millions from railroad projects, pillage money from Native tribes, and sidestep the booze tax by joining the Whisky Ring.

However, during his presidency Grant also championed peaceful relations with Native Americans and sought reform of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Furthermore, he advocated for the rights of former slaves.