Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant

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.

• ForewordPreface1. Political Apprenticeship2. “Jugular Politics”3. Grant Takes Command4. Reconstruction: Consummation without Closure5. Reconstructing the Nation’s Finances6. Brush with Disaster: The New York Gold Corner Conspiracy7. Reconstructing American Foreign Policy8. Revolt in Cuba9. The Gate to the Caribbean Sea10. The Battle of Santo Domingo11. Launching the Peace Policy12. Reform and Revolt13. War at Home14. Peace Abroad15. Vindication16. Second Term Woes17. Crises Domestic and Foreign18. Reconstruction under Siege19. Sound Money, Crooked Whiskey20. The President under Fire21. Securing the Succession22. Third Term DreamsNotesBibliographical EssayIndex

"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