AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Grant's Presidency (Day 159/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about Grant’s Presidency as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Ulysses S. Grant, White House Historical Association

Republican war hero Ulysses S. Grant won the elections of 1868 and 1872. Essential to his victory was the 500,000 votes of African American men.

The Fifteenth Amendment, Wikimedia Commons

More than any other 19th century president, Grant fought to protect the rights of African Americans. He worked hard to get the 15th Amendment passed and later pushed the Enforcement Acts to safeguard the constitutional rights of African Americans.

“A Nice Family Party,” Library of Congress

Grant and the Republican Party reinvigorated a system of patronage in which government jobs and favors were given to their supporters instead of being based on one’s qualifications. This “spoils system” increased criticism against the party.

Crédit-Mobilier Scandal, Wikimedia Commons

In a major scandal known as the Crédit-Mobilier affair, members of Congress received bribes from railroad insiders in exchange for ignoring their fraudulent business practices.

While Ulysses S. Grant attempted to improve the lives of African Americans, his two presidential terms were characterized by greed, corruption, and economic issues which led to a tight race in the next election.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Panic of 1873 in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!