Kite Runner Reflection - 1367 Words

Amir concludes the first chapter of The Kite Runner with a reflection, â€Å"I thought about the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today† (Hosseini 2). Every action Amir takes, planned or unplanned, has an outcome that he will have to live with. For instance, the unplanned decision Amir made to hide behind a wall while his friend, Hassan, was brutally attacked and raped in 1975 has haunted him every day of his life. When Amir was younger, he overheard his father tell a friend, A boy who wont stand up for himself becomes a man who cant stand up to anything (Hosseini 22). His father, Baba, always worried about Amir because he let everyone push him around and never stood up for†¦show more content†¦If he had not taken those actions and Hassan had not moved away, perhaps Hassan would still be alive today. After some internal strife, Amir makes the decision to go to the orphanage and bring Sohrab back becau se he owes at least that to Hassan. During this leg of his journey Amir must fight Assef, a bully from his childhood and Hassan’s attacker. Assef is the only character in The Kite Runner who does not appear to feel guilt for any of his horrendous actions. The Kite Runner is a story about Amir a Sunni Muslim boy growing up in Afghanistan, and his servant and friend Hassan a Shi’a Muslim. In Afghanistan, a country which is religiously divided, Sunni Muslims are upper class while Shi’a Muslims are poor. A friendship between a Sunni and a Shi’a are frowned upon. Unfortunately, religious divide is not a fictional issue and nothing has changed in many of the countries that have religious divide. It is up to each individual what action they take when they encounter someone of a different ethnicity, race, religion, etc. We should treat one another the way we want to be treated. In addition to the strain the caste system put on Amir and Hassan’s relationship, Amir often found himself jealous of Hassan. Amir always felt like his father favored Hassan more than him. He could never understand why his father insisted that Hassan accompany them wherever they went, and why his father did not want to spend one-on-oneSh ow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of The Kite Runner 1016 Words   |  5 PagesAccording to the dictionary redemption means â€Å" The act of saving from sin†. The kite Runner is about two boys that goes through violence and betrayal in Kabul, Afghanistan. One of the main characters Amir decided not to help his best friend caused their conflicts to grow. This reveals the theme of redemption throughout the Kite Runner. Most importantly, there is a motivation behind why Amir battles very nearly his whole existence with reclamation and that is on the grounds that Amir s hirelingRead MoreThe Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini1795 Words   |  8 Pagestime ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past, I’ve learned, about how you can bury it, because the past claws its way out. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last 26 years.† (Hosseini). The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, is the story of Amir, a Sunni Muslim, who struggles to find his place in the world because of the aftereffects and fallout from a series of traumatic childhood events. In addition to typical childhood experiences, AmirRead More The Kite Runner Essay896 Words   |  4 Pages Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner is a remarkable coming-of-age novel describing and revealing the thoughts and actions of Amir, a compunctious adult in the United States and his memories of his affluent childhood in the unstable political environment of Afghanistan. The novel showcases the simplistic yet powerful ability of guilt to influence decisions and cause conflict which arises between Amir’s childhood friend and half-brother, Hassan; Amir’s father, Baba; and importantly, himself. DifferenceRead MoreWrite About the Way in Which Hosseini Uses Setting in1410 Words   |  6 PagesWrite about the way the significance of the way in which Hosseini uses setting in ‘The Kite Runner’. Focus on two or three. Hosseini uses setting in the kite runner in various ways. It is a tool in showcasing the social division between Hazara and Pashtuns in Kabul and is also used to dramatise and add tension to the story. An example of Hosseini adding tension through setting is Amir and Baba’s car journey from Kabul to Jalalabad. It is narrated by Amir in the present tense, as if he is thereRead MoreThe Kite Runner1867 Words   |  8 PagesThe main protagonists in A Complicated Kindness and The Kite Runner convey that identities are socially constructed. Identity is shaped through the following factors: parenting, conflict, culture, gender, and genetics. These factors all intertwine and are the main influencers for shaping the protagonists identity. This is formed by the people that surround a person, their cultural stereotypes, how they teach others, and how a person learns. This essay will discuss how these factor effect identityRead MoreA Thousand Splendid Suns By Khaled Hosseini1421 Words   |  6 Pagesher family are able to return. Laila visits Mariam’s home, and finds a box of personal items left by Jalil to Mariam after his death. Among other items, Laila finds money intended f or Mariam, and she and her family settle down in their hometown. Reflection on Culture: What I found most interesting about the importance of setting in A Thousand Splendid Suns is how fundamentally different the atmosphere was and is for women. Certainly, the Taliban’s extremely repressive politics and laws have been givenRead MoreAmir and Hassan1380 Words   |  6 Pagesrelationship. The boys showed their trust for eachother by carving their names into a tree. The two boys, Hassan and Amir, are main characters in the book titled, The Kite Runner. The two boys have a relationship that is significantly different compared to most. The boys do write their names in a pomegranate tree as the sultans of Kabul (Kite Runner 27) but, their friendship is not strong and it is one sided. Hassan is seen as lower than human. The story is placed in Afghanistan. The relationship betweenRead MoreSummary Of The Baba 1612 Words   |  7 Pagesconsidered the best season. In winter, cities held the Kite Tournaments, in which kite runners also take an important spot. Amir and H assan used to make their own kites, but as they were better fighters than makers, they started buying them. Also, Hassan was the best kite runner Amir had ever seen. Amir remembers a story in which Hassan caught a kite, in which they had a very special and uncomfortable talk.In 1975, Amir saw Hassan run a kite for the last time. In that year, Amir s neighborhood heldRead MoreThe Poor State of Healthcare in Afghanistan in the The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini757 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction The Kite Runner is the first novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The story takes place in Afghanistan and America, is a tale of Amir, a Pashtun fellow who realizes his childhood mistakes and begins a journey to emend them. Hosseini commenced inditing the novel in 2001 while practicing medicine and his cognizance about health care is limpidly reflected in the novel as there is a wide array of instances where the characters face medical related conflicts in theirRead MoreThe Kite Runner Analysis2163 Words   |  9 PagesThe main protagonists in the novels A Complicated Kindness and The Kite Runner convey that identities are socially constructed. The following factors shape identity: parenting, conflict, culture, gender, and genetics. These factors all intertwine and are the primary influencers for developing the protagonists identity. Furthermore, this is formed by the people that surround a person from their cultural stereotypes, how they teach others, and how a person learns. This essay will discuss how these

Frankenstein, By Mary Shelley Essay - 1114 Words

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein tells his story from the bright beginnings, to his boundary-crossing brilliance that led him to his ultimate downfall. Throughout the book, we follow mostly Frankenstein’s interpretation and thoughts about a variety of topics, including the women involved in his life, as well as those described to him by his Creature. There are only a handful of women who are relevant to Frankenstein’s tale: Safie, Elizabeth, and even Nature herself. These important characters represent the main themes of Mary Shelley’s depiction of women in her novel Frankenstein: beauty, love, happiness, and a force to be conquered by men. During the novel, Frankenstein and his Creature have a meeting and discuss the happenings of the Creature after Frankenstein abandoned him. The Creature felt isolated, total rejection from society, and immense loneliness. He found a safe haven in a hovel near a cottage in which a family of three stay: DeLacey, Agatha, and Felix. Their family has suffered a great deal, and the Creature notices that most days are spent with his cottagers looking depressed. Then, one day, another girl arrives which changes their entire sorrowful environment: Safie. At a first impression, the Creature describes Safie as having a â€Å"countenance of angelic beauty and expression† (Shelley 125). Her arrival sparked happiness and pleasure in the life of his cottagers. The Creature remarked â€Å"I saw that her presence diffused gladness through theShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1650 Words   |  7 Pagesbook of Frankenstein does one just think of a mythical science fiction book that really has no meaning? Frankenstein can have numerous meanings depending on how a person perceives it. Frankenstein can be analyzed into many themes; some say religion, feminism, or scientific symbolization, it all depends on ones own perception. When one analyzes further into Mary Shelly’s li fe and then interprets the novel it is obvious that is a sociological theme. One can simply assume that Mary Shelley creates FrankensteinRead MoreFrankenstein by Mary Shelley1093 Words   |  4 Pagesfaster than man can contend with. That argument is the premises, moral, and plot base for Mary Shelleys tale Frankenstein. On the other hand, J. Michael Bishops, essay Enemies of Promise   on the other hand promotes and boast sciences achievements. However, Mary Shelley presents her point of view subtly yet very dramatically, which is much more effective than that of J. Michael Bishop. The dramatic story Shelley creates becomes a part of the reader, therefore holding the readers attention. ShelleysRead MoreMary Shelley Frankenstein859 Words   |  4 Pages Mary Shelley The Creature in Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus† needs a companionship as every ordinary human. Every man needs a woman, who will able to share moments of happiness and sadness, a woman who will be able to share thoughts and of course a woman who will be able to love a man. In this case the Creature needs a bride. But the problem is that the Creature from the â€Å"Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus† is not a human. SoRead MoreFrankenstein, by Mary Shelley1138 Words   |  5 PagesIs Frankenstein a man, whose ambition led to a disaster; or a monster, which created a life with disregard for the human race? Frankenstein, in my opinion, was the monster not the life that he had created. Frankenstein never admitted to his family what he had done, never admitted responsibility for his actions. He might as well have killed Elizabeth, William, Justine, and Clerval with his own hand. The so called â€Å"Monster† only wanted companionship; he did not want to murder those people. TheRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1325 Words   |  6 PagesI have been informed that you are pushing to remove the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley from the school curriculum. I’ve decided to write to you and explain why I believe that you are misinformed, and in fact, why this is a huge importance to the students of today. Frankenstein is a classic which recounts the life and horrors of Victor Frankenstein, as told through a series of letters and narrations. His obsession with the natural world and science brings him to a state of mind which ultimatelyRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1580 Words   |  7 PagesFrankenstein by Mary Shelley is a sci-fi novel written during the Romantic Movement in Britain’s early nineteenth century. The movement was stimulated by the French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and in reaction against the emphasis on reason in eighteenth-century Enlightenment philosophy (The Romantic Movement, 2014 ). Mary Shelley’s husband, Percy Shelley was also a romantic poet during the movement. Shelley’s novel is evidently influenced by her relationship with her husband, which is illustratedRead MoreFrankenstein by Mary Shelley739 Words   |  3 Pagesinterconnections of humanity, nature, and divinity (â€Å"Romanticism 1†). English Romanticism being trendy in Europe, people would vent their outlooks onto their personal fiction works such as Mary Shelley. Shelley uses vivid creativity and romantic elements to create one of her admired novels, Frankenstein. In Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, most of the characters prove their compassion for mankind, prove their rejection of technology and science, and prove their involvement in a romantic quest. These several characteristicsRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1040 Words   |  5 Pages In 1818, a book titled Frankenstein was published anonymously, mysteriously dedicated to William Godwin, a prominent journal ist and political philosopher of his time. The immediate reviews of the novel were mixed, most edging towards critical, although no one knew who the book was written by. However, while Frankenstein failed to gain popularity immediately, no one had any idea the lasting impact this novel would have on the world. Despite the lukewarm reception at its debut, it soon proved to beRead MoreFrankenstein, by Mary Shelley1078 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelley’s Frankenstein has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. Frankenstein’s direct association with fundamental Gothic literature is extremely renowned. However, the novel’s originality is derived from the foundational thematic values found within the relationship (or lack there of) between Victor Frankenstein and the monster he had created, in combination with a fascinatingly captivating plot. Understandably, Frankenstein can often be associated with a multitude of concepts; however,Read MoreFrankenstein, By Mary She lley1532 Words   |  7 PagesLike any author, especially one who created a new genre, there will be criticism, and Shelley is no exception. Shelley received criticism surrounding Frankenstein not only because she was a female writer, but because of her writing style. Originally, Frankenstein was published anonymously and was thought that her husband, Percy Shelley, wrote it (â€Å"Mary Shelley Biography† 2016). Shelley may have published Frankenstein anonymously because â€Å"’women understood that they got a â€Å"better hearing† if it was thought

Business Ethics for Integrity and Honesty- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theBusiness Ethics for Integrity and Honesty. Answer: Introduction Business Ethics and principles are important for an organization in order to make decision. It is a principle function that guides an organization in making policies and procedures. The ethical philosophy in an organization is affecting the reputation, productivity and bottom line of the business. Ethical behavior is important for an organization in order to ensure employees integrity and honesty (Osterwalder and Pigneur, 2010). Organizations are focusing on the ethical code of conduct in order to maintain the standards for quality in their work. This enhances productivity and quality in order to meet results. A positive and healthy corporate culture increases the productivity and improves the employee morale. The given case study focuses on Whistle blowing and ethical issues faced by Michael. The act of whistle blowing has a potential impact between the personal, organisational and societal spheres. The conflict arises from the circumstance that one views a whistleblower as someone sharing knowledge of misconduct and acting disloyal to their organisation (Johnson, Christensen and Kagermann, 2008). Ethical issue in the given scenario The given scenario highlights the malpractices carried by a business organization in order to gain business interest. It is a common practice carried in the business organizations these days. Corporate malpractice is an unethical conduct carried by the business organization detrimental for the future interest. The ethical issue is regarding the unethical use of document for meeting organizational interest. Corporate malpractices are common to the business organization. With rising awareness and corporate governance practices, it has become evident to follow ethical business practices (Zott and Amit, 2010). In the given scenario, there is no particular information regarding the company policies or regulations to provide direction. Use of information gained through wrongful mean is unethical, if not downright illegal. By using confidential information for personal gain comes under the unethical business practices especially Corporate Espionage where the company tries to obtain trade se cret through wrongful mean. Using this confidential information would certainly give a competitive advantage, but put a question on the ethical conduct (Chesbrough, 2010). Duties of Michael in context of Ethical theories Ethical context in business has increased in the corporate sector. This has created a necessity for managing the organization by meeting the ethical means. In the given scenario, there is a serious ethical issue in the organization. In order to meet the organizational interest, the organization is using wrongful mean to gain competitive advantage. Michael has obligations towards the company while working upon the task given to him. Ethical dilemma put a person under a complicated situation. This situation creates problem for the individual and the company while implementing the policies and procedures. An implementation of ethical theory will help in understanding the duties of Michael while performing duties (Week, 2000). The ethical egoism theory is a normative ethical position where an individual work in their own self-interest. Ethical egoism is a situation where the individual is benefitted from the act. He considers the benefits derived from the act (Newton, 2017). Ethical egoi sm does not require moral agents to harm the interests and well-being of others. In the given situation Michael can use the information for the company. The impact of using the information will be incidentally detrimental, beneficial, or neutral on the company. Individualism i considered to be an important aspect in disregarding or not, as long as it is satisfying the self-interest of the individual. The purpose is to meet the long term goals for which an individual is fulfilling the short-term desires that can be detrimental to the self. Ethical egoism endorses selfishness, but it doesn't support foolishness. From the general context of an individual, use of information can be detrimental for oneself. But considering the long term consequences, use of information will benefit the organization. However the theory is regarded as an important parameter while handling the issues (Melden, 2013). As per the Egoism theory Michael should not use the informational unethically as this might affect him later. This theory is based on self-interest. Michael should function by focusing on his interest. This will be helpful in managing his interest. An unethical act might affect him and his interest. Hence Michael should avoid any such act that might have a long lasting impact on his life (Beauchamp, Bowie and Arnold, 2004). As per the Kant theory, morality is the supreme principle. Any act which is immoral is considered as unethical as per the theory. In the given scenario, it is ethical from the part of Michael to do a task that is immoral. Kant theory focuses largely on good and bad. While considering the impact of an activity that is immoral for an individual. It is completely based on the moral worth of the act. The given scenario is an example of an immoral act and depicts the corporate malpractice. From a point of view of an individual the theory focus on doing an activity with utmost moral perspective. While considering an act it is important to handle the act for the well-being of the individual and the organization as well (Garriga and Mel, 2004). Hence it is clear that it is the duty of Michael to act as a Whistle blower in order to reduce the consequences that are caused due to an unethical activity. It is his duty to bring forward the unethical practices taking place in the company. Such business practice is not good for the long term growth of the company. While considering the organizational act it is important to focus on the well being by ethical means. For gaining long term sustainability it is evident for a business to avoid such malpractices. Ethical dilemma is difficult for the individual to manage the long term benefit. It is important for helping the individual in gaining better results while considering the ethical conduct. There are few acts that are considered to be unethical and hence Michael should ask his boss to stop such malpractices. These activities might affect him in future date at the time of scrutiny (Broad, 2014). Role of Michaels boss in terms of ethics Michael boss is unethical here. It is not correct to use the information collected from the wrongful mean. It is clear that the act is completely unethical for the employees and the company on a long run. It can be seen from the case that the information collected by him is unethical. Corporate malpractices are common to the business organization. With rising awareness and corporate governance practices, it has become evident to follow ethical business practices. Any information collected without any proper source is unethical for the company as well the individual using it. There can be an incidence where the employee might face the consequences of such act at future date (Dion, 2012). Firstly, it is unethical to use the confidential information of a competitive company retrieved through an unethical way. It is the case of corporate espionage. There is a probability that Michael has collected information through some colleague. Secondly, it is important for the organization to manage the organizational value. It is important for an individual to follow the ethical code of conduct. It is mandatory from the point of view of organizational growth and conduct. This will help in managing organisational goals and task for meeting effective results. The purpose of the act is to manage the interest of ever individual attached to the organization. This is important for the managing the organizational goals and maintaining a level of code of conduct in attaining result. Responsibilities of Michael Michael is now aware that the organization is using the unethical information collected from the competitor. He should act as a whistle blower in order to avoid such incidences. These acts do have a long term impact on the organization. Advocating whistle blowing is important for the individual in order to avoid the long term impact. It is important to foster culture of self-regulation and accountability, management that can help in ensuring staff and business operations. Whistle blower is ultimately torn in between the employs and the commitment towards the society. Whistle blowing creates fear in the mind of the people. There is a constant fear that the employee might have to face the consequences that is caused due to whistle blowing. In todays competitive business scenario, it is important to use the whistle blowing policies in an effective way. This is important for the society. Whistle blowing is important aspect for the society. It is evident for the business organization in o rder to manage the work in the most effective way (Miceli, near and Dworkin, 2013). Factors affects whistle blowing and justification for it It is important for each and every organization to use effective organizational policies fostering honesty and loyalty. By encouraging this culture, the organization can promote transparent culture. The Whistle blowing policies protect the organization against odds. It is through the whistle blowing policies that the organization these days can gain competitive advantage. A Transparent and honest organizational culture is important for a company (Davis, 2013). It put forward a positive image in front of the customers. This helps the employees in managing the task in order to meet the long term sustainable goals. It is difficult from the point of view of an employee to act as a whistle blower. There can be potential harm to the whistle blower. This is why people are avoiding the instances to act as a whistle blower (Henik, 2015). Reasons why ethics are important for a business In a competitive business environment it is important for managing the business by following effective business ethical policies. It is important for the organization in order to manage the long term organizational sustainable goals. This is important for gaining competitive advantage in order to deal with the problems. Business ethics create a positive impression in the mind of the employees. In this way, the employees are able to gain job security that motivates employees. It creates a positive image in the mind of the investors hence helping in gaining a competitive advantage. At good corporate governance and ethical behavior is important for gaining organizational goals (Chesbrough, 2010). Conclusion To conclude, it is important for the business organization to follow effective ethical principles. The ethical issue is regarding the unethical use of document for meeting organizational interest. Corporate malpractices are common to the business organization. With rising awareness and corporate governance practices, it has become evident to follow ethical business practices. The given scenario focuses on the Whistle blowing and duties important for an individual in order to behave ethically. References Beauchamp, T.L., Bowie, N.E. and Arnold, D.G. eds., 2004. Ethical theory and business. Broad, C.D., 2014.Five types of ethical theory(Vol. 2). Routledge. Chesbrough, H., 2010. Business model innovation: opportunities and barriers.Long range planning,43(2), pp.354-363. Davis, M., 2013. Whistleblowing.The International Encyclopedia of Ethics. Dion, M., 2012. Are ethical theories relevant for ethical leadership?.Leadership Organization Development Journal,33(1), pp.4-24. Garriga, E. and Mel, D., 2004. Corporate social responsibility theories: Mapping the territory.Journal of business ethics,53(1), pp.51-71. Henik, E., 2015. Understanding whistle-blowing: A set-theoretic approach.Journal of Business Research,68(2), pp.442-450. Johnson, M.W., Christensen, C.M. and Kagermann, H., 2008. Reinventing your business model.Harvard business review,86(12), pp.57-68. Melden, A., 2013.Ethical theories. Read Books Ltd. Miceli, M.P., Near, J.P. and Dworkin, T.M., 2013.Whistle-blowing in organizations. Psychology Press. Newton, M.T., 2017. A Comparison of Ethical Theories. Osterwalder, A. and Pigneur, Y., 2010.Business model generation: a handbook for visionaries, game changers, and challengers. John Wiley Sons. Week, B., 2000. Knowledge management and new organization forms: A framework for business model innovation.Knowledge management and virtual organizations,2(1), pp.13-27. Zott, C. and Amit, R., 2010. Business model design: an activity system perspective.Long range planning,43(2), pp.216-226.

Ulysses S. Grant (1125 words) Essay Example For Students

Ulysses S. Grant (1125 words) Essay Ulysses S. GrantUlysses S. GrantUlysses S. Grant was an American general and 18th president of the U.S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, on April 27, 1822, the son of Hannah Simpson and Jesse Grant, the owner of a tannery. Taken to nearby Georgetown at the age of one, he was educated in local and boarding schools. In 1839, under the name of Ulysses Simpson instead of his original Hiram Ulysses, he was appointed to West Point. Graduating 21st in a class of 39 in 1843, he was assigned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. There he met Julia Dent, a local planters daughter, whom he married after the Mexican War. During the Mexican War, Grant served under both General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott and distinguished himself, particularly at Molina del Rey and Chapultepec. We will write a custom essay on Ulysses S. Grant (1125 words) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now After his return and tours of duty in the North, he was sent to the Far West. In 1854, while stationed at Fort Humboldt, California, ?Grant resigned his commission because of loneliness and drinking problems, and in the following years he engaged in generally unsuccessful farming and business ventures in Missouri.?(Grant Moves South, 18) He moved to Galena, Illinois, in 1860, where he became a clerk in his fathers leather store. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Grant was appointed colonel, and soon afterward brigadier general, of the Illinois Volunteers, and in September 1861 he seized Paducah, Kentucky. After an indecisive raid on Belmont, Missouri, he gained fame when in February 1862, in conjunction with the navy; he succeeded in reducing Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, forcing General Simon B. Buckner to accept unconditional surrender. The Confederates surprised Grant at Shiloh, but he held his ground and then moved on to Corinth. In 1863 he established his reputation as a strategist in the brilliant campaign against Vicksburg, Mississippi, which took place on July 4. After being appointed commander in the West, he defeated Braxton Bragg at Chattanooga. Grants victories made him so prominent that he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and in February 1864 was given command of all Union armies. Grants following campaigns revealed his determination to apply merciless pressure against the Confederacy by coordinating the Union armies and exploiting the economic strength of the North. While Grant accompanied the Army of the Potomac in its overland assault on Richmond, Virginia, General Benjamin F. Butler was to attack the city by water, General William T. Sherman to move into Georgia, and General Franz Sigel to clear the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Despite the failure of Butler and Sigel and heavy losses at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, Grant continued to press the drive against General Robert E. Lees army. After Shermans success in Georgia and the conquest of the Shenandoah Valley by General Philip H. Sheridan, Grant forced Lee to abandon Petersburg and Richmond and to surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9. As commander of the army, Grant soon became trapped in the struggles between President Andrew Johnson and Congress. Because of the presidents clear Pro-Southern tendencies, the general gradually moved closer to the radicals and cooperated with Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton in carrying out the congressional Reconstruction plan for the South. Grant accepted appointment as secretary ad interim after Johnsons dismissal of Stanton, but clashed violently with the president when the Senate ordered Stanton reinstated. Then, as the countrys best-known military leader, he became the Republican candidate for president in 1868 and defeated his Democratic rival, Horatio Seymour. Grants military experience ill prepared him for his new duties. .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .postImageUrl , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:hover , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:visited , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:active { border:0!important; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:active , .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1434c1b5915271d6901c3ce702279d3c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: World War 2 Essay Faced with major problems of Reconstruction, civil service reform, and economic adjustment, he did not know how to choose proper advisers or to avoid the pitfalls of an age of corruption. Encouraged by the final restoration of all the Southern states to the Union, he honestly tried to carry out congressional Reconstruction, but in the long run was unable to sustain it. Irregularly trying to protect the rights of the freed slaves, he repeatedly intervened but could not prevent the reappearance of white supremacists in all but a few Southern states. Other problems were equally troublesome. In 1871 Grant appointed a civil service commission headed by George W. Curtis but because of the presidents increased trust in corrupt Republican machines, he was ill fitted to end the system whereby federal jobs were distributed as rewards for political loyalty. Moreover, his inexperience in economic matters and his unreasonable respect for wealth rendered him easy prey to scheming adventurers. Thus, in 1869 he was taken in by Jay Gould and James Fisk, in their attempt to corner the gold market, which he stopped only at the last moment. In 1872 rebel reformers, breaking with the administration by organizing the Liberal Republican party, nominated Horace Greeley, who also received the Democrats support, to challenge Grant for reelection. Although the president won easily, his second administration was tainted by many scandals, including the Credit Mobilier affair, in which Vice-President Schuyler Colfax and others were accused of taking bribes; the Whiskey Ring, in which Grants secretary schemed with a group of distillers to cheat the government of taxes; and the impeachment of Secretary of War William W. Belknap. ?All contributed to the failure of the administration. In addition, the Panic of 1873 resulted in widespread unemployment and the loss of the House of Representatives to the Democrats.?(Grant A Biography, 26) Only in foreign affairs did Grant have some success. He suffered an initial setback in the Senate, which refused to sanction his uncertain scheme to purchase Santo Domingo. Thereafter, however, Secretary of State Hamilton Fish established a distinguished record by settling outstanding difficulties with Great Britain with the Treaty of Washington in 1871, and keeping the country clear of the Cuban rebellion against Spain. After retiring from the presidency, Grant took a long trip around the world. Returning in 1879, he became an unsuccessful candidate for the presidential nomination, which went to James A. Garfield. In 1881 Grant moved to New York City, where he became a partner in the Wall Street firm of Grant and Ward; ?he was close to ruin when the company collapsed in 1884. ?(Ulysses S. Grant: A Politician, 45) To provide for his family, he wrote his memoirs while fighting cancer of the throat; he died at Mount Gregor, New York, on July 23, 1885. A military genius, Grant possessed the vision to see that modern warfare requires total application of military and economic strength and was thus able to lead the Union to victory. In civilian life, however, he was unable to provide the leadership necessary for a growing industrial nation, even though he always retained the affection of the American public.Biographies