74: Reconstruction (Part 2): The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Sep 28, 2020
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Dive into the electrifying inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant as the youngest president ever, symbolizing hope for civil rights. Discover the challenges Grant faced with corruption and scams among his closest allies. Explore the significance of the 15th Amendment and how it aimed to empower African Americans. Delve into the Whiskey Ring scandal that threatened his administration and the moral dilemmas it posed. This period was marked by ambition, idealism, and the struggle for equality against a backdrop of political chaos.
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Quick takeaways
Ulysses S. Grant's presidency was defined by his ambition to secure civil rights through the ratification of the 15th Amendment.
Grant faced immense challenges due to corruption within his administration, illustrated by scandals involving his trusted associates and cabinet members.
Despite his dedication to reform, Grant's reputation was marred by allegations of naïveté and a lack of political savvy during scandals.
Deep dives
Ulysses S. Grant's Presidential Inauguration
Ulysses S. Grant's inauguration on March 4, 1869, was marked by a significant military parade through Washington City, showcasing eight divisions of soldiers. As he arrived at the U.S. Capitol, the atmosphere was tense, given his previous role as a military leader rather than a politician. Grant's inaugural address emphasized his commitment to the Reconstruction era and maintaining national unity, clearly stating his goal to support the ratification of the 15th Amendment to secure suffrage for Black citizens. His remarks also touched upon managing the national debt responsibly, favoring payment in gold to foster economic stability.
Challenges of the Grant Administration
Grant's presidency was characterized by the struggle to navigate the treacherous political landscape, particularly concerning his cabinet selections. His choice for Treasury Secretary, Alexander Stewart, proved problematic due to conflicts of interest laws, while his appointment of Elihu Washburn proved short-lived due to health concerns. This led to criticisms about the quality of his cabinet, which consisted of both capable individuals and those of questionable integrity. Overall, Grant’s initial missteps highlighted the complexities of political appointments and the need for more strategic selections.
The Black Friday Scandal
The Black Friday scandal of September 1869 stemmed from financial manipulation by unscrupulous financiers like Jay Gould and Jim Fisk, who sought to profit by influencing the gold market. Their deceitful strategies became apparent as Treasury Secretary George Boutwell attempted to stabilize the gold standard during Grant's administration, leading to significant market disruptions. Grant’s reputation suffered as he was portrayed as naive and blind to the corruption occurring right under his nose, reflecting the challenges he faced in the political sphere. Although he was not directly involved in the scandal, his trust in those around him ultimately led to a decline in his public support.
Reconstruction and the 15th Amendment
During Grant's administration, pivotal strides were made in Reconstruction, notably the ratification of the 15th Amendment in February 1870, guaranteeing Black Americans the right to vote. This amendment represented a significant achievement for the civil rights movement, addressing the need for Black suffrage amidst a backdrop of violent opposition and systemic disenfranchisement. Grant’s support for the amendment indicated a tangible commitment to civil rights and the empowerment of previously marginalized communities. Nevertheless, the 15th Amendment’s omission of women's suffrage sparked ongoing debates among activists and highlighted the continuing struggle for equality for all.
The Whiskey Ring Scandal
The Whiskey Ring scandal that erupted during Grant's second term revealed extensive corruption among federal tax collectors and distillers, significantly tarnishing his administration. Following the discovery of a scheme that involved tax evasion and bribery, Grant's Secretary of the Treasury, Benjamin Bristow, conducted a thorough investigation, ultimately leading to numerous indictments. The president's unwavering trust in individuals like Orville Babcock, his personal secretary, complicated matters, as evidence later implicated Babcock's involvement in the fraudulent activities. Grant's struggle to confront corruption within his administration illustrated the challenges of maintaining integrity in the political environment of his time.
"The office has come to me unsought; I commence its duties untrammeled. I bring to it a conscious desire and determination to fill it to the best of my ability to the satisfaction of the people. "
This is the story of scandal.
Ulysses S. Grant has just been elected as the youngest US President to date. He has great hopes to usher in a new era of civil and political rights for African Americans and American Indians, as evidenced by the new 15th amendment. But can the honest Civil War hero do so when his Vice President and trusted former officers are busy making corrupt, illegal deals that inflate the value of gold, cost of railroads, and dodge taxes?