Summary

Chapter 31 opens by describing attempts by Wall Street financiers to involve Grant in a plot to manipulate the price of gold for their own benefit. Though the President never engaged in corrupt behavior, he was slow to distance himself from the unscrupulous bankers, a pattern that repeated throughout his Presidency. Grant was also hobbled by his poor relationship with Senator Charles Sumner, a powerful leader in the Senate. Sumner had hoped to be appointed Secretary of State and continued to meddle with foreign policy from his Senate seat. Chernow also notes that, throughout Grant’s early years in office, Southern blacks gained increasing political power. Though this was a promising development, it caused a backlash among whites who resented this new reality. Grant also had the opportunity to fill two Supreme Court seats. One of his nominees was rejected by the Senate, while...