U.S. Presidents

A Detailed Timeline of Ulysses S. Grant’s Presidency

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, served from March 4, 1869, to March 4, 1877. Grant’s presidency, which followed his distinguished military career during the Civil War, was marked by efforts to rebuild the nation, protect civil rights, and confront corruption. This article provides a detailed timeline of Grant’s presidency, highlighting key dates and events that defined his time in office.

Inauguration and Early Policies: 1869

  • March 4, 1869: Ulysses S. Grant is inaugurated as the 18th President of the United States. In his inaugural address, he emphasizes the need for national reconciliation and the protection of civil rights for all citizens, including newly freed African Americans.
  • April 13, 1869: Grant signs the Public Credit Act, which ensures that the government’s Civil War debts will be paid in gold, not depreciated paper currency. This move is aimed at restoring confidence in the nation’s financial system.

Reconstruction and Civil Rights: 1869-1871

  • December 1869: The Fifteenth Amendment, guaranteeing African American men the right to vote, is ratified by Congress. Grant strongly supports this amendment, viewing it as a crucial step toward securing civil rights for former slaves.
  • April 20, 1871: Grant signs the Ku Klux Klan Act (also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1871), which authorizes the President to use federal troops to suppress the activities of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups. This legislation is part of Grant’s broader efforts to protect the civil rights of African Americans in the South.
  • October 1871: Grant declares martial law in parts of South Carolina to combat Klan violence, demonstrating his commitment to enforcing the Ku Klux Klan Act and protecting African American citizens.

Indian Policy and the West: 1869-1871

  • April 1869: Grant initiates his “Peace Policy” towards Native Americans, appointing Ely S. Parker, a Seneca Indian, as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The policy aims to reduce military conflicts and promote assimilation through education and Christian missions.
  • 1870: The Indian Appropriations Act is passed, which ends the recognition of tribes as sovereign nations and subjects them to federal law. This act marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans and reflects ongoing conflicts and pressures in the West.

Economic Challenges and Scandals: 1872-1873

  • September 24, 1869: Known as Black Friday, the gold market collapses due to an attempt by speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the market. Grant’s intervention helps stabilize the market but tarnishes his administration’s reputation.
  • November 1872: Grant is re-elected as President, defeating Horace Greeley. His second term is quickly overshadowed by economic challenges and scandals.
  • September 1873: The Panic of 1873, a financial crisis triggered by the collapse of Jay Cooke & Company, leads to a severe economic depression. The crisis results in widespread bank failures, unemployment, and economic hardship.

Continued Reconstruction Efforts: 1874-1875

  • March 1875: Grant signs the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which aims to guarantee African Americans equal access to public accommodations and transportation. However, the act will face significant challenges and limited enforcement in the coming years.
  • Summer 1874: Violence and intimidation by white supremacist groups in the South increase, undermining Reconstruction efforts. Grant deploys federal troops to restore order, but the effectiveness of these interventions is limited.

Foreign Policy Initiatives: 1874-1875

  • November 17, 1874: The United States and the United Kingdom sign the Treaty of Washington, resolving long-standing disputes related to the Civil War and establishing a framework for international arbitration. The treaty is seen as a diplomatic success for Grant’s administration.
  • 1875: Grant’s administration negotiates a reciprocal trade agreement with the Kingdom of Hawaii, strengthening economic ties and laying the groundwork for future American influence in the Pacific.

Final Years and Legacy: 1876-1877

  • June 25, 1876: The Battle of Little Bighorn occurs, where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his forces are defeated by a coalition of Native American tribes. The battle highlights ongoing conflicts and challenges in the West.
  • November 1876: The contentious presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden leads to a disputed outcome. The Compromise of 1877 ultimately resolves the dispute, resulting in Hayes’s presidency and the end of Reconstruction. Grant supports the peaceful transition of power, despite the political turmoil.
  • March 4, 1877: Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency officially ends as Rutherford B. Hayes is inaugurated as the 19th President of the United States. Grant leaves office with a mixed legacy, having achieved significant civil rights advancements but also facing criticism for corruption and economic challenges.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

  • 1880: Grant makes an unsuccessful bid for a third presidential term. Despite his defeat, he remains a respected figure in American politics and society.
  • 1884-1885: Facing financial difficulties, Grant writes his memoirs, which become a critical and commercial success. His memoirs provide valuable insights into his military career and presidency.
  • July 23, 1885: Ulysses S. Grant dies of throat cancer. He is remembered as a war hero and a president who struggled with the complexities of Reconstruction and governance.

Legacy and Impact

Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency is marked by significant achievements and controversies:

  • Civil Rights: Grant’s support for the Fifteenth Amendment and the Civil Rights Acts demonstrates his commitment to advancing African American rights during Reconstruction. His use of federal power to combat the Ku Klux Klan underscores his dedication to protecting citizens’ rights.
  • Economic Policy: The Panic of 1873 and the ensuing depression highlight the economic challenges of Grant’s presidency. His administration’s response to economic crises and corruption scandals tarnishes his legacy.
  • Indian Policy: Grant’s “Peace Policy” towards Native Americans represents a shift in U.S. Indian policy, though it ultimately fails to resolve conflicts and pressures in the West.
  • Foreign Policy: The Treaty of Washington and the trade agreement with Hawaii reflect Grant’s efforts to strengthen American diplomacy and economic interests.

Conclusion

Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency, while marked by significant challenges and controversies, played a crucial role in shaping the post-Civil War United States. His efforts to protect civil rights, navigate economic crises, and manage foreign relations left a lasting impact on the nation. Despite facing criticism for corruption and economic difficulties, Grant’s legacy as a leader who sought to rebuild and reconcile the nation remains a significant part of American history.