Ulysses S. Grant: Part 2
- Episode aired May 12, 2002
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The second part of a must-see biography on one of the greatest Americans of the 19th century.
This is the second part of the wonderful two-part biography of Ulysses Grant that was shown on "The American Experience" on PBS television. These are must-see documentaries--exceptionally well made and fascinating throughout.
Part two has to do with the life of Grant following the US Civil War. Although I am a retired history teacher, I must admit that I didn't know all that much about the Grant administrations as President--other than knowing about the wide-spread corruption for which it's known for today. However, this show re-framed his administration and pointed out many exceptional qualities of the man that I really did not know. The most admirable is his support for full citizenship rights for Black-Americans as well as decent treatment of the native tribes. He was responsible for enforcing civil rights and crushing the KKK--a sharp contrast to the prior (Johnson) administration that sought to restore the old racist class system in the South. Also, I did not get the impression he was a bad man at all--and there was a lot to admire about him. He appeared to be a good family man and loving husband. But, unfortunately, he was also woefully naive--a man who didn't quite realize how despicable some of his 'friends' in Washington were. Perhaps he was too nice a guy. Because of this, seeing his MANY downturns in his later life was a bit sad to watch--yet still fascinating and exceptionally made throughout. Well worth seeing and a must for any history buff.
By the way, this and part one were re-shown in January, 2011.
Part two has to do with the life of Grant following the US Civil War. Although I am a retired history teacher, I must admit that I didn't know all that much about the Grant administrations as President--other than knowing about the wide-spread corruption for which it's known for today. However, this show re-framed his administration and pointed out many exceptional qualities of the man that I really did not know. The most admirable is his support for full citizenship rights for Black-Americans as well as decent treatment of the native tribes. He was responsible for enforcing civil rights and crushing the KKK--a sharp contrast to the prior (Johnson) administration that sought to restore the old racist class system in the South. Also, I did not get the impression he was a bad man at all--and there was a lot to admire about him. He appeared to be a good family man and loving husband. But, unfortunately, he was also woefully naive--a man who didn't quite realize how despicable some of his 'friends' in Washington were. Perhaps he was too nice a guy. Because of this, seeing his MANY downturns in his later life was a bit sad to watch--yet still fascinating and exceptionally made throughout. Well worth seeing and a must for any history buff.
By the way, this and part one were re-shown in January, 2011.
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- planktonrules
- Dec 16, 2011
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