Question

question 4 of 10

which option best completes the graphic organizer to explain the struggles grant faced during his second term as president?

grants second term struggles
divisions within the republican party
political corruption
?

a. dishonor in the military
b. economic depression
c. rise of the ku klux klan
d. war in europe

Explanation:

Analyze the graphic organizer

The graphic organizer is titled "Grant's Second Term Struggles." Ulysses S. Grant served his second term as President of the United States from 1873 to 1877. The organizer lists two struggles: "Divisions within the Republican Party" and "Political corruption." We need to find the third major struggle that fits this specific timeframe.

Evaluate the historical options

• A. Dishonor in the military: While Grant was a former Civil War general, his second presidential term was not characterized by major military dishonor.
• B. Economic depression: The Panic of 1873 occurred at the very beginning of Grant's second term, triggering a severe six-year economic depression (the "Long Depression") that dominated his second term.
• C. Rise of the Ku Klux Klan: The Klan rose during Grant's first term, and his administration successfully suppressed the First Klan using the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871 (part of Grants Reconstruction Plan). By his second term, the First Klan was largely dismantled, though other white supremacist groups emerged.
• D. War in Europe: There were no major European wars that directly disrupted or defined the struggles of Grant's second term.

Select the best option

The Panic of 1873 and the resulting economic depression directly crippled the nation's economy, distracted Northern voters from Reconstruction, and stood as a defining crisis of Grant's second term. Therefore, option B is the most accurate fit.

Answer:

• (A) Dishonor in the military
• (B) Economic depression (Correct answer)
• (C) Rise of the Ku Klux Klan
• (D) War in Europe