Presidency (1869-1877)

Inauguration of President Grant, March 4, 1869

National Archives at College Park

In addition to being the first election following the Civil War, the historic presidential election of 1868 included the votes of 400,000 former enslaved men who were able to vote for the first time. Ulysses S. Grant won the presidential election against Democrat Horatio Seymour, winning 52.7% of the popular vote and receiving 214 votes from the electoral college, while Seymour only received 80. At the age of 46 years old, Grant became the youngest President elected.

On March 4, 1869, Ulysses S. Grant was sworn in as the 18th President of the United States. During his inauguration speech, Grant urged for the ratifiction of the 15th Amendment and for the "propert treatment of the original occupants of this land—the Indians one deserving of careful study. I will favor any course toward them which tends to their civilization and ultimate citizenship."

Ulysses S. Grant, circa 1870's

Library of Congress

Grant’s foreign policy was marked by his preference for arbitration of disputes between nations. Under the Treaty of Washington (May 8, 1871), Britain agreed to international arbitration of U.S. claims based on the damage done to American shipping during the civil war by Confederate ships built or outfitted in Britain. The notable example was the raider CSS Alabama, for which Britain agreed to pay $15.5 million in damages. However, Grant’s effort to annex Santo Domingo (now the Dominican Republic) in order to secure a Caribbean base was frustrated by opposition in the Senate.

Ely S. Parker, between circa 1860 and circa 1865

Library of Congress

As President, Grant supported industry and manufacturing. Following the completion of the Trans-Continental Railroad in 1869, he encouraged the development of the natural resources of the west, opening huge tracts to mining, timber, land speculation and settlement. Grant took pride in disposing of 7.5 million acres of public land through sale or homesteading in 1869 alone. On the other hand, Grant signed the act creating the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone, on March 1, 1872 to preserve that unique natural resource.

In order to protect white settlement of the west, Grant rigorously enforced the relocation of Indians onto large reservations. His view was that with training “the Indian (can) be made a useful and productive member of society by proper teaching and treatment.” He appointed Brig. Gen. Ely S. Parker, a Seneca, to be commissioner of Indian Affairs. Grant’s policy of destruction of the traditional Indian culture produced poor results during the 8 years of his administration.

The Fifteenth Amendment and It's Results, 1870

Library of Congress

Grant’s administration was dedicated to the cause of racial equality, enforced by federal intervention in the south. However, other factors such as economic disturbances, labor unrest, expanded immigration, and widespread political corruption intervened to frustrate that hope. Although Frederick Douglass and others spoke eloquently of the goals of political, social, and economic equality for African Americans, the general public turned a blind eye on “Jim Crow” laws and other forms of discrimination.