People Archives

Ulysses S. Grant: Civil Rights Activist Post-Civil War

Was Ulysses S. Grant a civil rights activist? How did Grant help Black citizens during his presidency? For Ulysses S. Grant, civil rights was an important issue that needed to be protected after the Civil War. In his book Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s work as president was essential for safeguarding Black citizens’ civil rights and helping them transition out of slavery. Below we’ll focus on three key instances of Grant encouraging civil rights.

What Did Ulysses S. Grant Do as President of the US?

What did Ulysses S. Grant do as president of the United States? Was he considered a good president? In 1868, as the Republican nominee, Grant defeated incumbent Andrew Johnson to become the 18th President. In Grant, Ron Chernow analyzes Grant’s legacy of Reconstruction—the era lasting from the Civil War’s end until 1877—which saw him attempt to defend civil rights for Black Americans while reconciling with the South. Let’s take a look at what Ulysses S. Grant accomplished (or failed to accomplish) as president.

Ulysses S. Grant: Reconstruction After the Civil War

What did Ulysses S. Grant do during the Reconstruction Era? How did he try to reconcile the North and the South of the United States? In Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s presidency was marked by attempts at international and domestic conciliation. However, these attempts weren’t always successful. Let’s look at Ulysses S. Grant’s reconstruction attempts.

The 2 Ulysses S. Grant Scandals That Ruined His Reputation

What were the worst of Ulysses S. Grant’s scandals? Why was Grant susceptible to corruption? Although Grant showed political poise in other areas, Grant by Ron Chernow contends that his lack of political experience was evident elsewhere. In particular, he argues that Grant’s gullible nature blinded him to corruption by those he trusted, revealing a consistent political naivety. To show as much, we’ll focus on two scandals that marred Grant’s presidency: the so-called Whiskey Ring and Indian Ring scandals.

Was Ulysses S. Grant an Alcoholic? Unveiling the Addiction

Was Ulysses S. Grant an alcoholic? How did Grant overcome his trouble with alcohol use? Many historical accounts suggest Grant drank recklessly and was controlled by intemperate desires during his military career and presidency. But, according to Grant by Ron Chernow, Grant fought valiantly against his tendency toward unhealthy alcohol use and attained victory over this tendency in his final years. Let’s examine Chernow’s account of Grant’s alcohol use.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley (Overview)

What do you know about Malcolm X? How did he rise to leadership? What legacy did he leave? The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley explains how Malcolm X rose from a life of poverty and crime to become a significant leader in the civil rights movement. It provides insights into his fascinating life and explores how his beliefs changed over time. Continue reading for an overview of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Malcolm X’s Mother: Lessons From the Life of Louise Little

Who was Malcolm X’s mother? What role did she play in his life? What can her life teach us today? Though she looked white, Louise Little was a multiracial woman who was married to a Black man in the first half of the 20th century. Malcolm X writes about how his mother endured the tragic death of her husband, struggled to find work during the Great Depression, and ultimately lost access to her children. Read more to learn about the life of Malcolm X’s mother and what it reveals about the era she lived in.

Malcolm X in Boston: Shorty, the Ghetto, & the Road to Prison

Why was Malcolm X drawn to Boston? What did he learn about society there? How did he end up in prison? In Malcolm X’s autobiography, he details his early life and why he chose to move to Boston when he was a teenager. While there, he got a firsthand view of both sides of the coin of Black culture—and one side in particular drew him in. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X in Boston.

Malcolm X in Harlem: Hustling, Drugs, & the Struggle to Survive

Why did Malcolm X move to Harlem? How did he get pulled into the underground crime scene? The Autobiography of Malcolm X chronicles the time Malcolm X spent in Harlem from 1943 to 1945. As a young man in his late teens, Malcolm X got drawn in by a rough crowd on the tough streets of New York City, and he entered adulthood by sliding into a life of crime. Continue reading to learn about Malcolm X in Harlem.

Malcolm X’s Crimes: From Stealing Food to Burglarizing Homes

When did Malcolm X start breaking the law, and why? What kind of crimes did he commit? Malcolm X had a rough introduction to the world. He felt the pressure of society pushing him down, and he fought back by doing what he thought he needed to do to survive. When he was a kid, he stole food to eat. As he entered adulthood, he got busted for his involvement in a burglary ring. Read more to learn about Malcolm X’s criminal activities as chronicled in his autobiography.