(1822–85), 18th president of the US 1869–77; born Hiram Ulysses Grant ; full name Ulysses Simpson Grant. As supreme commander of the Union army, he defeated the Confederate army in 1865 with a policy of attrition. As a popular general elected to the presidency, he lacked political experience and was unable to check widespread political corruption and inefficiency. During his first administration, the 15th Amendment was ratified (giving all qualified male citizens the right to vote) and the national park system was established.