Essay On Grant In The Civil War

Grant In The Civil War

Ulysses S. Grant was the eighteenth president and left his mark as a great general in the Civil War. Grant quotes, “There are but two parties not, traitors and patriots, and I want hereafter to be ranked with the latter” (Houghton 16). Fearlessly leading his troops through unknown terrain, Grant strived for unity and freedom (Stickney). Grant was among many important people fighting in the Civil War and played a key role as a Northern general, such as training troops and fighting, successfully, against strong Southern leaders like Robert E. Lee. As a general, Ulysses S. Grant showed loyalty in the Civil War by, fighting in many battles, leading and training troops to fight, and becoming one of America’s greatest leaders

He graduated twenty-first out of thirty-nine from West Point Armed Service in 1843, and however, later became one of the best United States leaders (“Grant, Ulysses S.” 51). Grant then went on to serve in the Mexican-American war in 1844 (McNeese 74). After the war, Grant went home to work as a businessman, although, he strived unsuccessfully (“Grant, Ulysses S.” 51). Wishing to come back to the army, Grant was rejected (51). Somehow later, a supportive senator from Illinois gave Grant command. Grant was approved as Colonel over the Illinois 21st Regiment (79). When Grant would fight in battles, his main strategy was called, “Total War” (a way of fighting without any limitations or restrictions) (Arthur 27). Being rewarded as Commander in Chief of the Union Army in the Spring of 1864, Grant was respected because of his resilience and resolve (Houghton 19). Therefore, the public (the North) liked Grant’s battle strategies and how he would not make any deals unless the South “surrendered unconditionally” (“Grant, Ulysses S.” 52). Lincoln had personally thanked Grant and awarded him as a lieutenant

Grant had control over part of the North’s army and traveled to help the soldiers fighting at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Because of Grant’s help, the Union took a victory there (“Grant, Ulysses S.” 52). Another one of Grant’s first biggest success (battles) was at Fort Donelson, Tennessee, in February 1862 (51). Later, in 1861, Grant also won battles in Belmont, Missouri, and Fort Henry (Houghton 18). Fort Henry and Fort Donelson were the battles at which Grant took the nickname of “Unconditional Surrender” (“Ulysses S. Grant”). One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War was the battle of Shiloh with more than 23,000 casualties. The battle took the Union by surprise and they were almost unable to fight (McNeese 84). Albert Sidney Johnston—a Southern general—was killed on the first day of fighting, giving the North an advantage (84). The battle went from April 6, 1862 through April 7, 1862 (84). Eventually the South surrendered (McNeese). The public was very upset with Grant’s performance during the battle of Shiloh, and wanted him to be removed from his position (“Ulysses S. Grant”). Abraham Lincoln received multiple letters for Grant’s removal (“Ulysses S. Grant”). Lincoln protested, “I can’t spare this man. He fights” and let Grant stay in his current spot (“Ulysses S. Grant”). Continuing to fight, the Union came across the city of Vicksburg and planned to siege it (“Grant, Ulysses S.” 52). The Union decided to siege the city because it was close to water and