- Leading the Union to victory in the Civil War (1861-1865): As commander of the Union armies, Grant played a pivotal role in the Union's ultimate triumph over the Confederacy. His decisive leadership, strategic thinking, and willingness to take risks were instrumental in securing victory for the Union, preserving the United States as a single nation, and freeing the enslaved African Americans.
- Reconstruction Era presidency (1869-1877): During his presidency, Grant confronted the challenges of reconstructing the war-torn nation and addressing the aftermath of slavery. He implemented policies aimed at reintegrating the former Confederate states into the Union, protecting the civil rights of African Americans, and promoting economic recovery.
- Enforcement of civil rights laws: Grant actively enforced civil rights laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, which guaranteed equal protection under the law and voting rights for African American men. He used federal authority to protect African American citizens from discrimination and violence, particularly in the South, where the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups sought to suppress African American rights.
- Indian Wars and Native American policy: Grant's administration pursued a policy of assimilation and integration for Native American tribes. While some of his actions and policies toward Native Americans were controversial and resulted in conflicts, he also recognized the importance of honoring treaties and respecting tribal sovereignty. He played a role in establishing several reservations and promoting education and economic development for Native American communities.
- Promoting economic growth and infrastructure development: Grant's administration supported policies that fostered economic growth, including the expansion of railroads, the development of natural resources, and the promotion of business and industry. He played a role in supporting the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which greatly improved transportation and communication across the country.
- Fighting corruption and advocating for civil service reform: Grant's presidency was marked by scandals involving members of his administration, but he actively pursued efforts to combat corruption and advocated for civil service reform. He initiated investigations into corrupt activities and supported the passage of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1883, which aimed to establish a merit-based system for federal appointments and reduce political patronage.
Overall, Ulysses S. Grant's contributions to American history and culture were significant, encompassing his leadership in the Civil War, his role in Reconstruction, his commitment to civil rights and Native American policy, his support for economic growth, and his efforts to combat corruption and promote civil service reform.