Presidential election
1872 presidential election
Ulysses S. Grant defeated Horace Greeley, winning 286 of 352 electoral votes and 55.6% of the popular vote.
Results
71.3%
Turnout rate
6.4M
Total votes cast
6.5M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 35 | RepublicanGrant | +11.5% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 29 | RepublicanGrant | +19.7% |
| Ohio(OH) | 22 | RepublicanGrant | +6.5% |
| Texas(TX) | 8 | Liberal RepublicanGreeley | +14% |
| Georgia(GA) | 11 | Liberal RepublicanGreeley | +8% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Henry Wilson
Home state
Illinois
Age at election
50
Previous position
18th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
3.6M
(55.6%)
Electoral votes
286
Party
Liberal Republican/DemocraticRunning mate
B. Gratz Brown
Home state
New York
Age at election
61
Previous position
Editor of the New York Tribune
Popular vote
2.8M
(43.8%)
Electoral votes
0
Northern States
Grant
57%
Southern States
Grant
52%
Black Voters
Grant
95%
Key events
Greeley Dies
Died before Electoral College met, votes scattered
Credit Mobilier Scandal
Railroad corruption implicated congressmen
Issues & context
Liberal Republicans split from party over Reconstruction and corruption. Democrats endorsed Greeley, a longtime enemy. Greeley died before Electoral College met. Grant won landslide despite scandals.
Economic boom. Railroad construction peaked. Credit Mobilier scandal revealed corruption. Panic of 1873 would follow shortly.
Grant remained popular despite scandals. Greeley was unusual candidate - newspaper editor with eccentric views. Liberal Republican revolt failed to gain traction.
Grant's second term marred by scandals and Panic of 1873. Greeley's death unprecedented. Reconstruction began to unravel. Republican dominance continued.
Did you know?
- 1.Greeley died before Electoral College voted
- 2.Only candidate endorsed by two major parties
- 3.Greeley won no electoral votes (died first)
- 4.Democrats endorsed their longtime enemy
- 5.Woman (Victoria Woodhull) ran for first time