What Was Grant's Domestic Policy
President Grant had many important domestic policies. The major policies he dealt with were national reconstruction, civil rights of African Americans and creating a better relationship with the Native Americans. It was a very difficult, yet crucial, time when Grant entered the White House. Grant was resolute to follow Lincoln’s policy of reconciliation with the South rather than punishment or retribution. He also wanted to make sure that the government kept a strong Union while at the same time protecting the newly freed slaves and trying to stop former unreconstructed Confederates from regaining power in the South. Also, the majority of Americans, both Northerners and Southerners, rejected civil and political rights for blacks. So, Grant faced a taxing challenge:
…show more content…
In October 1871, he called for martial law in nine counties in South Carolina and used federal troops to restore law and order in those areas. Soon after this, northerners began to slowly lose interest in reconstruction. However, Grant did not lose interest in the rights of the people of his country, like African Americans and the Native Americans. While the Civil War was occurring the Native Americans and their issues went overlooked, however, Grant was determined to change that. He wanted to change federal Indian policy toward what became known as the Peace Policy. This method attempted to move the Natives closer to white civilization by housing them on reservations and helping them become farmers. Grant determined Brigadier General Ely S. Parker, a former military aide and Seneca Indian, as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Grant then produced a Board of Indian Commissioners commanded by philanthropic leaders. They recommended that the government stop using political appointees as Indian agents. Grant agreed with that recommendation and turned to missionaries, especially Quakers, and Army men to serve as
In October 1871, he called for martial law in nine counties in South Carolina and used federal troops to restore law and order in those areas. Soon after this, northerners began to slowly lose interest in reconstruction. However, Grant did not lose interest in the rights of the people of his country, like African Americans and the Native Americans. While the Civil War was occurring the Native Americans and their issues went overlooked, however, Grant was determined to change that. He wanted to change federal Indian policy toward what became known as the Peace Policy. This method attempted to move the Natives closer to white civilization by housing them on reservations and helping them become farmers. Grant determined Brigadier General Ely S. Parker, a former military aide and Seneca Indian, as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Grant then produced a Board of Indian Commissioners commanded by philanthropic leaders. They recommended that the government stop using political appointees as Indian agents. Grant agreed with that recommendation and turned to missionaries, especially Quakers, and Army men to serve as