America Should Know More About Ulysses S. Grant

PA Pundits - International

By Elliser Silla ~

Despite a reputation tarnished largely by ex-Confederates, President Ulysses S. Grant in many ways actualized the vision of emancipation and helped to ensure that black Americans could exercise the right to vote. (Photo: Stock Montage/Getty Images)

Our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, often is described as three things: a “butcher” general who mindlessly sent his soldiers into battle; an ineffective political leader who allowed corruption to fester in the highest levels of government; and an irresponsible human being who reveled in his drinking habits.

Although there is some truth in these stereotypes, Grant should be understood as a significant figure in American history, whose reputation was sullied after his presidency by ex-Confederates promoting the “Lost Cause of the Confederacy” through books, newspaper articles, and speeches.

This negative view of Grant subsequently became the mainstream and continues to be so to this day.

Recently, historians have begun…

View original post 801 more words