In foreign policy, Grant sought to increase American trade and influence, while remaining at peace with the world.

During his second term the country's economy was devastated by the Panic of 1873, while investigations exposed corruption scandals in the administration.

One bibliographical source recommends that, to obtain a more complete assessment of Grant and his presidency during Reconstruction, one read contemporary, primary, and scholarly accounts of Grant, his inaugural addresses, and his communications and annual messages to Congress.

[4] For a comprehensive scholarly annotated bibliography covering several thousand books, articles, and archival sources see Marie Ellen Kelsey, ed.

online (Many editions in paper and online; ends in 1865) Early biographers  (and memoirs of close associates) Inaugural Addresses State of the Union Addresses Executive orders Proclamations Special Messages Civil Service Commission Civil Rights Act of 1875 Veto Messages Treaty of Washington 1871 Indian Appropriations Act 1871 Papers of Ulysses S. Grant Military accounts Grant's world tour