Analysis: Why Ulysses S. Grant Won The Civil War

During the first half of the Civil War, the South had the upper hand and the Confederate army was taking most of the victories. The leadership of General Lee was a force to be reckoned with and the South had the advantage of knowing the geography and having the ability to quickly obtain fresh reinforcements and supplies, since most of the battles were fought locally. Northern generals had failed to stop the Southern advances and things were looking bleak for the Union. Fortunately, General Ulysses S. Grant was granted the authority to make the major military decisions, and as a result of his relentless pursuit of the Confederate army, the Union won the Civil War.
It was a cool, clear morning on April 9, 1865, the day General Robert E.

As the war raged on, and the North began to panic over the outcome, Grant became even more composed, grim, and confident that the battle tactics in place would bring about a victory for the Union. (Schlesinger, 82). Grant said; "I may be mistaken, but I feel our success over Lee's army is already insured." (Perret, 328). There is also evidence of General Ulysses S. Grant's fearless and confident attitude. This confidence affected his decision making in the midst of his doubters who included many politicians, newspaper reporters, and even his classmates who had once nicknamed him "Useless" while attending school. (Schlesinger, 21). There was a great amount of pressure and expectation placed upon Grant and he did not back down in the face of opposition or set-backs. During the crucial Wilderness Campaign when asked if he had any message to send to Lincoln, he replied with; "Well, if you see the President, tell him from me that whatever happens, there will be no turning back." (Perret, 314). Grant was aware of the burden he carried for the Union and knew that once he put so many lives on the line, the only choice was to continue until he had utterly defeated the

The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, further crushed General Lee’s efforts for a southern victory. Grant chose the perfect time to launch his Wilderness campaign in the spring of 1864. (Schlesinger, 80). It was one of the most brutal periods in military history. During the campaign over 50,000 men between both armies died. (History.com) This campaign enabled General Grant to achieve the upper hand even though he was criticized for being known as the "Butcher” due to his bloody and bold military