In Our Time President Ulysses S Grant
May 30, 2019
Join Robert Cook, Erik Mathisen, and Susan-Mary Grant as they dive into the multifaceted legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. They discuss his pivotal role during the Reconstruction era, notably his efforts to secure civil rights for freed slaves and combatting the Ku Klux Klan. The conversation also highlights Grant's later tarnished reputation due to corruption scandals and his complex relationship with Native American rights. Their insights reveal a significant reassessment of Grant's contributions to American history and the tangled nature of his presidency.
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Early Victories
- Grant's early Civil War victories included capturing Fort Henry and Fort Donelson.
- He also turned a potential defeat at Shiloh into a Union victory, gaining Lincoln's attention.
Grant's Nomination
- Republicans chose Grant as their 1868 presidential nominee for his perceived electability.
- His role in opposing Johnson's lenient Reconstruction plan also contributed.
Key Amendments
- The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments aimed to abolish slavery, grant civil rights, and secure voting rights for African American men.
- Grant's support for the 15th Amendment was a bold move.