Ulysses S. Grant, born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, rose from humble beginnings in Ohio to become the 18th President of the United States, serving from 1869 to 1877. His leadership in the Union Army during the Civil War, highlighted by the decisive Vicksburg campaign and the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, propelled him to national fame and ultimately the presidency. Despite political inexperience, Grant's presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize the post-war economy, protect African Americans during Reconstruction, and prosecute the Ku Klux Klan, alongside challenges such as economic turmoil and administrative scandals.After leaving office, Grant's popularity continued as he became the first president to circumnavigate the globe and later penned his critically acclaimed memoirs while battling throat cancer. Despite early historical criticism influenced by the Lost Cause narrative, recent scholarship has begun to acknowledge Grant's contributions to civil service reform, his commitment to civil rights, and his pivotal role in securing the Union, offering a more balanced view of his legacy. Grant's enduring impact on American history is reflected in the recovery of his reputation, as he is increasingly celebrated for his efforts to forge a more inclusive and united nation.
