Ulysses S. Grant Interpretive Outline

by Frank Scaturro of the Grant Monument Association

Grant as General-in-Chief After the Civil War, 1865-1869

A. Reconstruction Period
1. Andrew Johnson became president upon Lincoln's assassination and faced the issue of restoring the nation.
A central question involved the status of former slaves. Johnson's opposition to civil rights measures to advance the rights of former slaves led to a major conflict with Radical Republicans in Congress who favored full political equaltiy regardless of race.

2. Grant was commissioned the first full (four-star) general in American history on July 25, 1866.

3. Conflict with Radicals in Congress led to passage of the Tenure of Office Act, which required Seante approval for the removal of a cabinet member.

Convinced that the act, which clearly undermined his authority, was unconstitutional, Johnson defied the law by removing Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton without Senate approval.
Johnson appointed Grant Secretary of War ad interim on August 12th, 1867.
Troubled by Johnson's attempts to create the impression that he supported his action, Grant served until 1868, but declined to become a part of Johnson's further plans that year.
Johnson was impeached, escaping removal by one vote.

B. Nomination of Grant and His Election, 1868.
1. Grant was nominated as the Republican candidate for president on May 21st, 1868.
He was clearly the most popular figure in the country.
Although he had an aversion to politics, Grant became concerned that Johnson's Reconstruction policies were detrimental to the country and came to support the Radical platform
He declared "Let us have peace," in his letter of acceptance upon his nomination for the presidency. This phrase was later inscribed on his tomb.

2. He was elected to his first term as president, defeating Governor Horatio Seymour of New York, on November 3, 1868.

Go to Grant's Early Years Through the Start of the Civil War.

Go to Grant During the Civil War, 1861-1865.

Go to Grant's Presidency, 1869-1877.

Go to Grant's Later Years.

Go back to the Grant for Students Home Page.

Go Back to the Ulysses S. Grant Information Center Home Page.

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Further reading: Ulysses S. Grant Chronology, by John Y. Simon. Introduction by Bruce Catton. Published by the Ohio Historical Society, 1963.

Revised 10/26/06