Achieving great national fame for his victories at Vicksburg and the surrender at Appomattox, he was widely credited as the General who "saved the Union".[627]  Grant was the most successful general, Union or Confederate, to dominate the Civil War.[628] Criticized by the South for using excessive force, his overall military reputation stands intact.[629] Grant's drinking was often exaggerated by the press and falsely stereotyped by many of his rivals and critics.[630] During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Grant's reputation was damaged by the Lost Cause movement and the Dunning School.[631][bk]
Historical assessments have traditionally ranked Grant as one of the worst presidents in American history. However, revisionist challenges to this narrative have received significant support since the 2000s. Although critical of scandals, modern historians have emphasized his presidential administration's accomplishments. These included the prosecution of the Klan, treatment of Black people as both human and American, an innovative Native American policy, and the peaceful settlements of the Alabama Claims and controversial 1876 presidential election. Grant's appointment of Secretary of State Hamilton Fish is ranked highly by historians.