with the election of ulysses s. grant in 1868, the radicals had control of congress, the party and the army and attempted to build a solid republican base in the south using the votes of freedmen, scalawags and carpetbaggers, supported directly by u.s. army detachments. republicans all across the south formed local clubs called union leagues that effectively mobilized the voters, discussed issues and when necessary fought off ku klux klan (kkk) attacks. thousands died on both sides.