Ulysses S. Grant: General and President

Early Life and Education

  • Ulysses S. Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was raised in a family of modest means and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point.

  • Grant struggled academically but proved himself as a capable soldier. He graduated in 1843 and served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War, gaining valuable military experience.

  • After the war, Grant left the army and struggled in civilian life before rejoining the army at the start of the Civil War.

Grant’s Leadership During the Civil War

Early Military Career

  • At the beginning of the Civil War, Grant was given a command in the Union Army. His early victories in battles like Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in 1862 earned him a reputation as a determined and aggressive leader.

  • Grant’s success in these battles, along with his strategy of attacking the enemy where they were weakest, made him a rising star in the Union Army.

The Battle of Vicksburg (1863)

  • One of Grant’s most significant victories came at the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863. This battle took place in Mississippi, where Confederate forces controlled a key stronghold on the Mississippi River.

  • Grant surrounded the city and laid siege to it for several months, eventually forcing the Confederates to surrender. The victory gave the Union full control of the Mississippi River, which split the Confederacy in half and severely disrupted its supply lines.

Grant as General-in-Chief

  • In 1864, Grant was appointed as General-in-Chief of all Union Armies. Under his leadership, the Union launched a series of coordinated campaigns to defeat the Confederate Army.

  • Grant’s strategy was to apply constant pressure on the Confederate forces, even when facing heavy losses. This relentless approach eventually wore down the Confederate Army, even though it came at a high cost.

The Surrender at Appomattox Court House (1865)

  • By the spring of 1865, Confederate forces were exhausted, and their supplies had run out. Grant’s army had surrounded General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

  • On April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House, General Lee surrendered to Grant, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • Grant’s terms of surrender were generous, allowing Confederate soldiers to return home with their horses and keep their personal belongings. This act of compassion helped begin the process of reconciliation between the North and South.

Grant’s Legacy

  • Military Leadership: Ulysses S. Grant is considered one of the greatest military leaders in American history. His strategy of relentless pursuit and his ability to coordinate multiple armies were key to the Union’s victory.

  • Presidency: After the war, Grant was elected the 18th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by efforts to enforce Reconstruction and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans.

  • Post-Presidency: Grant’s post-presidential years were marked by his involvement in writing his memoirs, which became highly regarded for their insight into the Civil War.

Conclusion

Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership during the Civil War was critical to the Union’s victory. His aggressive military tactics, determination, and ability to make tough decisions earned him respect and admiration. As president, his commitment to Reconstruction and preserving the Union’s values left a lasting impact on the country’s future.