At no one time in elections did the North pronounce itself in favor of all the reconstruction policies.

The break, signs of which were visible as early as 1869, came in 1874 when the Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives.
Strength was given to the opposition because of the dissatisfaction with President Grant, who knew little about politics and politicians.

He felt that his Cabinet should be made up of personal friends, not of strong advisers, and that the military ideal of administration was the proper one.

He was faithful but undiscriminating in his friendships and frequently chose as his associates men of vulgar tastes and low motives; and he showed a naive love of money and an undisguised admiration for rich men such as Gould and Fisk.

His appointees were often incompetent friends or relatives, and his cynical attitude toward civil service reform lost him the support of influential men.