Frederick Douglass (Potatoman5849)

Frederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who Served as the 20th President of the United States from June 18, 1874 to March 4, 1877 after the Resignation of President Ulysses S. Grant.

An important reformer he was chosen by President Ulysses S. Grant to serve as Vice President, this was seen as a naïve and outright dangerous move by the President as it could spark tensions in the South even further than they already were. Grant refused to back down and pushed Douglass to be Vice President. Being confirmed by a only Two Votes he served as Vice President with his every action facing scrutiny. When scandal after scandal rocked the Administration Grant finally chose to step down as President on June 18, 1874.

The very idea of Douglass becoming President brought massive issue to the U.S., as it would undoubtedly spark riots across the South, and parts of the North. Chief Justice Morrison Waite refused to swear Douglass in however he was sworn in by Justice Joseph P. Bradley.