Politics Archives

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 Future of the Networked Age: Niall Ferguson Spots the Trends

Where’s the growing connectedness of the world headed? Is a global Utopia in our future? Certain visionaries, social media proponents, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs argue that making the world more connected through social media and global commerce will contribute to building a utopian future of world peace and equality. Niall Ferguson contends that this isn’t the case. Keep reading to understand Ferguson’s argument as he applies network theory to the future of our networked age.

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.

Biden’s Executive Order 14036 Targets Monopolies

What is Executive Order 14036? What are supporters and critics saying about the plan? What’s the likelihood that it will succeed? President Biden is challenging huge corporations’ control over markets with new directives to increase competition and oversight. The success of Biden’s plan may hinge on modernizing outdated antitrust laws through bipartisan legislation. But lack of cooperation between parties poses a challenge. Here’s an overview of the plan’s goals and what it would entail.

Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam: The Rise & Fall of an Alliance

What’s the Nation of Islam? Why did Malcolm X join it, and how did it impact his life? When he was in prison, Malcolm X embraced the Nation of Islam. It changed his life for the better in many ways, culminating in the beginning of his civil rights career. But, the partnership didn’t last, and Malcolm X eventually went his own way. Continue reading to learn the history of Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam.

Malcolm X’s Political Beliefs: His Radical Approach to Civil Rights

What were Malcolm X’s political beliefs? How did his approach differ from that of Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders? Malcolm X was critical of the American civil rights movement and its more moderate leaders. Coming from his perspective of the Nation of Islam (and later Islam), he advocated a different approach through strategies of separatism, self-defense, & pan-Africanism. Continue reading to learn about Malcolm X’s political beliefs in the context of civil rights and Black liberation.

Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU)

Why did Malcolm X establish the Organization of Afro-American Unity? What were its goals? In 1964, Malcolm X broke ties with the Nation of Islam. He also traveled and spoke in Africa and returned to the United States with a renewed vision. A major part of his new strategy entailed the creation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X’s Organization of Afro-American Unity.

Was Robert Oppenheimer a Communist? A Look at the Evidence

Was Robert Oppenheimer a communist? Was he actually a member of the Communist Party? In American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin examine the claims that scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer was a communist. They explain that his political activism and connections led to allegations of Communist Party membership. Read more to learn what Bird and Sherwin learned and concluded.

J. Robert Oppenheimer After the Bomb: The Embattled Advocate

What did J. Robert Oppenheimer do after World War II? Were his political enemies successful? Biographers Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin suggest that, after the war, Oppenheimer’s life was marked by his consistent advocacy for transparency and regulation in nuclear policy. Then, a politically motivated hearing effectively ousted him from the upper echelon of the US government. Read more to learn what happened to Oppenheimer after the bomb.