History That Doesn't Suck 74: Reconstruction (Part 2): The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Sep 28, 2020
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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Grant's Inauguration
- Ulysses S. Grant, the youngest US President to date, was inaugurated in a ceremony marked by military fanfare.
- Despite his military background, he felt out of place in his new political role.
Grant's Vision
- Grant's inaugural address highlighted his commitment to paying off the national debt, protecting civil rights, and westward expansion.
- He expressed a desire for a gold-backed currency and saw the West's precious metals as a means to achieve this.
Cabinet Challenges
- Grant's initial cabinet appointments faced challenges, including an ineligible Treasury Secretary and a short-lived Secretary of State.
- However, some later appointments, such as Hamilton Fish, proved successful.