Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) 4

Ulysess S. Grant himself admitted after leaving office that he was definately not qualified to be the President of the United States. Historians constantly ridicule him as an insignificant President whose administration was plagued by scandals. The second half of that was true. His administration was indeed plagued by scandals which destroyed his reputation. However, he was a very significant President. Unlike his predacessor, Grant realized that sometimes force was necessary to ensure that the law was followed. Grant worked relentlessly to ensure the passage of the 15th Amendment ensuring the rights of African Americans to vote, and the Civil Rights Act of 1875 designed to counter groups attempting to scare African Americans away from the polls. Grant sent federal troops to notable areas of African American disenfranchisment several times during his term. During his term, the number of African Americans voting increased due to his military intervention. His military action, clearly justified and righteous, did protect the voting rights of African Americans in the South. Had his successor continued Grant's policy, perhaps the Old South would not have risen again. Perhaps terrorist groups such as the KKK would not have succeeded in denying African Americans their right to vote. Grant's administration certainly had its shortcomings, but in this area, Grant was quite effective. He used force to ensure freedom.