Ulysses S. Grant Elected as the 18th President of the United States

On November 3, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent Civil War general and Republican candidate, was elected as the 18th President of the United States. He secured victory over his Democratic opponent, Horatio Seymour, marking a significant moment in American political history during the Reconstruction era.

Background and Context

• Post-Civil War America: The election took place during Reconstruction, a tumultuous period aimed at reintegrating the Southern states into the Union and addressing the newly freed African American population’s rights.
• Republican Strategy: The Republican Party, spearheaded by Grant’s candidacy, aimed to continue the Reconstruction policies enforced under President Andrew Johnson, though often in opposition to Johnson’s more lenient approach.

Key Figures

Ulysses S. Grant

• Military Hero: Grant gained national prominence as the commanding general who led Union forces to victory during the Civil War.
• Political Novice: Despite his lack of prior political experience, his stature as a war hero and commitment to the Reconstruction process resonated with many voters.

Horatio Seymour

• Governor of New York: A seasoned politician and former governor of New York, Seymour was seen as a moderate figure within the Democratic Party.
• Critic of Reconstruction: His platform was critical of Radical Reconstruction policies, advocating for a more lenient approach to Southern reintegration.

Election Dynamics

• Electoral College: Grant won a decisive victory in the Electoral College, securing 214 votes to Seymour’s 80.
• Popular Vote: The popular vote was closer, with Grant receiving approximately 53% of the votes cast.

Significance and Aftermath

• Reconstruction Policies: Grant’s presidency continued the federal government’s efforts in Reconstruction. His administration focused on the protection of African American civil rights, fighting against the Ku Klux Klan, and pushing for the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which aimed to guarantee voting rights regardless of race.
• Economic Policies: Grant’s presidency also witnessed challenges such as the Panic of 1873 and controversies including the Credit Mobilier scandal, highlighting difficulties in post-war economic adjustment.

Ulysses S. Grant’s election represented both a continuation of Reconstruction policies and the enduring legacy of his Civil War leadership. Despite challenges during his presidency, his election was instrumental in shaping the post-war United States’ political and social landscape.