What propelled Grant to Presidential victory in the 1868 election?
Since your question contains the word "propelled," I assume it came from your text.
http://www.presidentprofiles.com/Grant-Eisenhower/Ulysses-S-Grant-Election-of-1868.html
Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent Union general during the American Civil War, was propelled to presidential victory in the 1868 election due to several factors.
To understand how Grant won the election, we need to examine the context and the strategies employed during his campaign. Here's how you can break down the process:
1. Background: Grant's reputation as a successful Civil War general played a significant role in his electoral success. His military leadership and victory over the Confederacy made him a popular figure among Union supporters.
2. Republican Party Nomination: Grant was nominated as the Republican Party candidate, which further boosted his chances of winning. The Republicans were viewed as the party that had preserved the Union and championed the abolition of slavery, making Grant an appealing choice for many voters.
3. Reconstruction Policies: At the time, the Reconstruction period was underway, as the nation sought to rebuild and reunify after the Civil War. Grant's commitment to maintaining the rights of freed slaves and ensuring Southern states adhered to the principles of equality resonated with voters, especially African Americans and Republicans from the Northern states.
4. Support from African American Voters: Grant's pro-civil rights stance earned him significant support from African American voters across the country. This support was essential, particularly in the Southern states, where African Americans made up a substantial portion of the population. Grant's advocacy for equal treatment and voting rights for all citizens greatly appealed to this demographic.
5. Unity and Stability: Grant's campaign focused on promoting unity and stability after an intense and divisive war. His military background and reputation for decisiveness and strong leadership added to his appeal, as many voters believed he could provide the stability the nation needed during this critical phase.
6. Electoral Votes: In terms of electoral votes, Grant secured a majority by winning several key states. He obtained support from both Northern and some Southern states, allowing him to secure the necessary votes to win the election.
In summary, Grant's victory in the 1868 presidential election was attributed to his reputation as a distinguished military leader, his support for civil rights and Reconstruction, his appeal to African American voters, and his emphasis on unity and stability. These factors, combined with the backing of the Republican Party, led to his electoral success.