Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885)

Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), commanded the victorious Union armies at the close of the Civil War in 1865. His success and fame as a general led to his election as President in 1868. During his military career, Grant led his troops with energy and determination. He developed great confidence in his own judgment, and an ability to learn from experience. These traits also characterized Grant's political career. But the qualities which had brought him military glory were not enough to solve the nation's problems in the 1870's. Grant's enemies called him a poor President, and historians have generally agreed.

Grant was the first West Point graduate to become President. A quiet, unassuming man, he had an almost shy manner. He was short and stalky, and did not look like a leader of men. Clever and dishonest men used President Grant as a tool to promote their own evil schemes. His presidency was clouded by disgrace and dishonesty, partly because of his habit of trusting persons who pretended to be his friends. Congretional investigations revealed widespread corruption in both state and federal governments. A severe financial panic in 1873 caused the people to react against Grant. To many Americans, he symbolized the confusion and corruption of the times. Grant ignored the attacks on him and the Republican party. He believed that all the criticism came only from political opponents.

Two months after Grant became President in 1869, the nation's first transcontinental railroad was completed. In October, 1871, the great Chicago fire killed about 300 persons and left more than 90,000 homeless. In 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876. That same year, in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Sioux and Cheyenne warriors massacred about 225 men under General George A. Custer.