The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant

Choice Outstanding Academic TitleAs controversial in politics as he was in the military, Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885) was an embattled president, enormously popular with the American people, yet the target of unrelenting censure by political enemies. For the first time in almost a century, this book by the distinguished historian Charles W. Calhoun examines Grant’s administration in depth, offering a fresh look at the 18th president’s policies and actions during his two terms in office (1869–1877). Most biographers focus on Grant’s military career, giving less attention to the significant and complex questions that marked his presidential terms. These concerns, the issues of politics and governance, are at the core of this book. As a political historian with a vast knowledge of nineteenth-century America and an extensive array of original sources at his command, Calhoun approaches Grant’s presidency not as an incongruous or inconsequential sequel to his military career but instead as the polestar of American public life during a crucial decade in the nation’s political development. He explores Grant’s leadership style and traces his contributions to the office of president, including creating a White House staff, employing modern technology to promote the mobility of the presidency, and developing strong ties with congressional leaders to enhance executive influence over legislation. The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant provides a detailed discussion of the administration’s endeavors in a variety of areas—Reconstruction and civil rights, economic policy, the Peace Policy for Native Americans, foreign policy, and civil service reform. It also offers a straightforward examination of the scandals associated with the period, highlighting the “embattled” nature of Grant’s presidency and the deep antagonism that marked his relations with key critics such as Charles Sumner, Henry Adams, and Benjamin Bristow. In sum, this book is a long overdue re-evaluation of a pivotal presidency in America’s political history.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface 1. Political Apprenticeship 2. “Jugular Politics” 3. Grant Takes Command 4. Reconstruction: Consummation without Closure 5. Reconstructing the Nation’s Finances 6. Brush with Disaster: The New York Gold Corner Conspiracy 7. Reconstructing American Foreign Policy 8. Revolt in Cuba 9. The Gate to the Caribbean Sea 10. The Battle of Santo Domingo 11. Launching the Peace Policy 12. Reform and Revolt 13. War at Home 14. Peace Abroad 15. Vindication 16. Second Term Woes 17. Crises Domestic and Foreign 18. Reconstruction under Siege 19. Sound Money, Crooked Whiskey 20. The President under Fire 21. Securing the Succession 22. Third Term Dreams Notes Bibliographical Essay Index

About the Author :
Charles W. Calhoun, Thomas Harriot College Distinguished Professor of History emeritus at East Carolina University, is the author of many books, including Conceiving a New Republic: The Republican Party and the Southern Question, 1869–1900 and Minority Victory: Gilded Age Politics and the Front Porch Campaign of 1888, both from Kansas.

Review :
"A magnificent contribution to the study of the Grant presidency. It is a beautifully written and the most thorough study of the Grant administrations. What emerges is a staunch defense of Grant against the charges of corruption leveled by previous historians, and, a massive documentation of Grant’s steadfast commitment to the rights of black freedmen."—Michael F. Holt, author of By One Vote: The Disputed Presidential Election of 1876 "Eminent historian Charles Calhoun’s new book takes Grant’s presidency beyond the superficial corrupt label it has been dismissed with into a more accurate place of importance. Without soft peddling the difficulties of Grant’s time in the Executive Mansion, Calhoun’s new book demonstrates just how important a president this quiet man was. Well-researched and well-written, this book is a must read for scholars and others interested in gaining accurate insight about a major American leader."—John F. Marszalek, Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Mississippi State University "Once deemed one of the nation’s worst presidents by scholars and pundits alike, Ulysses S. Grant’s reputation as a politician and chief executive has improved during the past three decades. Now comes Charles W. Calhoun’s comprehensive overview of the eighteenth president’s administration, examining both its achievements and shortcomings with discerning insight. At last Grant can claim fair treatment in this judicious study."—Brooks D. Simpson, author of The Reconstruction Presidents "This extraordinary history helps restore the reputation of a genuine American hero. This volume, the first to cover the Grant presidency in over two generations, is a window on eight years of success and attempts to reconcile sections of a country still at war with itself. The author is fair in portraying Grant as energized, patriotic, and loyal—sometimes too loyal. Far from being a corrupt administration, Grant’s strengths as a leader have a profound positive effect on American culture in civil liberties for African Americans, the American economy, and diplomacy. This is a must read for all who cherish the American republic."—Frank J. Williams is the President of The Ulysses S. Grant Association and Presidential Library and the retired Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court