Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, is featured on the $50 bill for a variety of reasons. His contributions to American history, particularly during the Civil War and his presidency, played a significant role in shaping the nation we know today. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why Grant was chosen to appear on the $50 bill.
Firstly, Grant was a decorated military leader, having served as the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. He played a pivotal role in securing victories for the Union, including the capture of Vicksburg and the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. His leadership and strategic abilities were key to the Union’s success in the war, and his efforts helped to bring an end to slavery and reunite the country.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Grant was also a successful president. He served two terms from 1869-1877 and worked to usher in an era of Reconstruction following the Civil War. His presidency was marked by numerous reforms and initiatives, including the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights to African American men. He also signed the Civil Rights Act of 1875, which aimed to prevent discrimination based on race in public accommodations.
Grant’s presidency was not without controversy, however. His administration was plagued by scandals, including the Credit Mobilier scandal and the Whiskey Ring scandal. Despite these setbacks, Grant remained popular with the American people and is remembered as a president who fought for the rights of all citizens.
Another reason why Grant is featured on the $50 bill is his legacy as an advocate for Native American rights. In 1869, Grant appointed Ely S. Parker, a member of the Seneca tribe, as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, making him the first Native American to hold the position. Under Parker’s leadership, the Office of Indian Affairs was reformed to prioritize Native American self-determination and sovereignty.
Grant’s administration also passed the Indian Appropriations Act of 1871, which ended the practice of treating Native American tribes as independent nations and instead made them wards of the federal government. While this policy had negative consequences for Native Americans, it was a significant departure from previous policies that had sought to forcibly remove tribes from their lands and assimilate them into white American culture.
Finally, Grant’s appearance on the $50 bill can be attributed to his role as a symbol of American strength and resilience. During his presidency, the United States underwent a period of tremendous growth and expansion, both domestically and internationally. Grant’s leadership helped to position the United States as a global superpower, and his commitment to preserving the Union and promoting equality served as a model for future leaders.
In conclusion, Ulysses S. Grant’s contributions to American history, both as a military leader and a president, make him a fitting choice to appear on the $50 bill. His legacy as an advocate for civil rights, Native American rights, and American strength and resilience serves as a reminder of the values that make our country great. Despite the controversies that marked his presidency, Grant remains an important figure in American history, and his presence on the $50 bill is a testament to his enduring legacy.
