Ulysses S. Grant Biography
.Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, played a pivotal role in American history as a leading Union general during the Civil War and later as a two-term president during the tumultuous Reconstruction era. His legacy encompasses both military brilliance and political challenges, marked by efforts to rebuild a divided nation. This biography provides an authoritative account of Grant’s life, from his humble beginnings to his influential presidency and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the eldest of six children born to Jesse Root Grant, a tanner and businessman, and Hannah Simpson Grant. The family moved to Georgetown, Ohio, where Grant spent his formative years. Jesse Grant had high ambitions for his son and played a significant role in shaping his early life (Smith, 2001).
Education and West Point
In 1839, Jesse secured his son an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Due to a clerical error, he was enrolled as Ulysses S. Grant, a name he accepted for the rest of his life. At West Point, Grant was an average student academically but excelled in horsemanship, which would prove invaluable in his military career. He graduated in 1843, ranked 21st out of 39 cadets, and was commissioned as a brevet second lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Infantry (Smith, 2001).
Early Military Career
Mexican-American War
Grant’s early military career was shaped by his service in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Under the command of Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott, Grant participated in several key battles, including the Siege of Veracruz and the Battle of Chapultepec. His experiences in Mexico provided him with valuable combat experience and insights into military strategy, which he would later apply during the Civil War (Smith, 2001).
Post-War Years and Resignation
After the Mexican-American War, Grant was stationed at various remote posts, including Fort Humboldt in California. Isolated from his family and facing mounting financial pressures, Grant began to struggle with alcohol. In 1854, he resigned from the Army, returning to civilian life to support his family through a series of unsuccessful ventures, including farming and real estate (Brands, 2012).
Civil War Leadership
Rejoining the Army
With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Grant rejoined the military, initially serving as a colonel in the Illinois militia. His leadership skills quickly earned him a promotion to brigadier general. Grant’s first major victory came at Fort Donelson in February 1862, where his demand for “unconditional surrender” boosted his reputation as a determined and capable leader (Smith, 2001).
Key Battles and Campaigns
Battle of Shiloh
In April 1862, Grant commanded Union forces at the Battle of Shiloh, one of the war’s bloodiest encounters. Despite heavy casualties and initial setbacks, Grant’s leadership secured a crucial victory, demonstrating his resilience under pressure. The high casualty rate, however, drew criticism and highlighted the war’s brutal nature (Brands, 2012).
Vicksburg Campaign
Grant’s most significant military achievement was the Vicksburg Campaign (1862-1863). His successful siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, divided the Confederacy and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. The victory at Vicksburg, coupled with the defeat of Confederate forces at Gettysburg, marked a turning point in the war and solidified Grant’s reputation as a strategic genius (Smith, 2001).
Promotion to Lieutenant General
In March 1864, President Abraham Lincoln promoted Grant to lieutenant general, placing him in command of all Union armies. Grant’s strategy of continuous offensive operations aimed to exploit the Union’s numerical superiority and wear down Confederate forces. His coordination with General William T. Sherman’s campaigns in the South further pressured the Confederacy (Smith, 2001).
Appomattox and the End of the War
Grant’s relentless pursuit of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia culminated in Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Grant’s generous terms of surrender aimed to facilitate national reconciliation, allowing Confederate soldiers to return home with their horses and promising not to prosecute them for treason (Brands, 2012).
Presidency
Election of 1868
Grant’s military success and national popularity led to his nomination as the Republican candidate for president in 1868. Running on a platform of “Let Us Have Peace,” Grant won the election, defeating Democrat Horatio Seymour. His presidency began during a period of significant social and political upheaval, as the nation grappled with the challenges of Reconstruction (Smith, 2001).
Reconstruction and Civil Rights
Reconstruction Policies
Grant’s presidency was deeply intertwined with the complex dynamics of Reconstruction. He supported Congressional Reconstruction policies aimed at securing civil rights for freed slaves and integrating Southern states back into the Union. The Enforcement Acts, passed during his administration, aimed to curb the violence of the Ku Klux Klan and protect the voting rights of African Americans (Foner, 1988).
15th Amendment
One of Grant’s significant achievements was the ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870, which prohibited denying citizens the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. This amendment marked a crucial step in the struggle for civil rights, although its implementation faced significant resistance in the South (Foner, 1988).
Economic Policies and Challenges
Panic of 1873
Grant’s second term was marred by the Panic of 1873, a severe economic depression triggered by the collapse of the banking firm Jay Cooke & Company. The ensuing economic turmoil led to widespread unemployment, bankruptcies, and strikes. Grant’s adherence to the gold standard and his veto of inflationary measures such as the inflation bill alienated many who sought relief through increased currency circulation (White, 2016).
Scandals and Corruption
Grant’s presidency was plagued by numerous scandals, reflecting the challenges of governing during a period of rapid economic growth and limited regulatory oversight. Notable scandals included the Whiskey Ring, where government officials and distillers conspired to defraud the government of tax revenue, and the Crédit Mobilier scandal, involving the Union Pacific Railroad and the manipulation of construction contracts for personal gain. While Grant was not personally implicated, his loyalty to corrupt associates tarnished his administration’s reputation (White, 2016).
Post-Presidency and Legacy
World Tour
After leaving office in 1877, Grant embarked on a world tour with his wife, Julia. The trip, which lasted over two years, took the Grants to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. They were received with great fanfare, and Grant’s diplomatic meetings with foreign leaders enhanced his international stature. The tour also provided him with a sense of accomplishment and respite from political pressures (Smith, 2001).
Financial Troubles and Memoirs
Upon returning to the United States, Grant faced significant financial difficulties due to bad investments and the failure of his son’s brokerage firm. In response, he began writing his memoirs, motivated by a desire to provide for his family and secure his legacy. Despite his declining health from throat cancer, Grant completed his two-volume “Personal Memoirs” just days before his death. Published posthumously by Mark Twain, the memoirs were a critical and commercial success, praised for their clarity and insight into his military campaigns (Brands, 2012).
Death and Burial
Ulysses S. Grant died on July 23, 1885, at Mount McGregor, New York. His funeral was a national event, attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners. Grant was initially interred in a temporary tomb in Riverside Park, New York City, until the completion of his permanent resting place, Grant’s Tomb, in 1897. The mausoleum remains a testament to his enduring legacy (Smith, 2001).
Historical Assessment
Military Leadership
Grant’s military leadership during the Civil War is widely regarded as one of the defining factors in the Union’s victory. His strategic acumen, ability to coordinate large-scale operations, and relentless pursuit of Confederate forces demonstrated his exceptional command abilities. Grant’s willingness to engage in total war, understanding the necessity of breaking the South’s capacity to wage war, marked a significant shift in military strategy (Brands, 2012).
Presidency and Reconstruction
Grant’s presidency is often evaluated in the context of its significant achievements and notable shortcomings. His commitment to Reconstruction and civil rights for African Americans was a crucial aspect of his legacy, despite facing substantial opposition and limited long-term success. The ratification of the 15th Amendment and efforts to combat the Ku Klux Klan were vital steps in promoting civil rights, although the gains were rolled back during the post-Reconstruction era (Foner, 1988).
Scandals and Corruption
The numerous scandals that plagued Grant’s administration have left a lasting impact on his historical reputation. While Grant’s personal integrity was largely upheld, his inability to effectively manage his cabinet and curb corruption undermined his administration’s credibility. Historians often cite these failures as evidence of Grant’s lack of political acumen and administrative oversight (White, 2016).
Legacy and Memorials
Grant’s legacy is preserved in various memorials and historical sites, reflecting his enduring influence on American history. Grant’s Tomb in New York City is one of the most prominent memorials, serving as a national landmark and a symbol of his contributions to the nation. Additionally, numerous schools, counties, and cities across the United States bear his name, honoring his military service and presidency (Smith, 2001).
Final Summary
Ulysses S. Grant’s life and career exemplify the complexities of leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. From his rise as a Civil War hero to his presidency during Reconstruction, Grant’s legacy is a blend of remarkable achievements and significant challenges. His contributions to preserving the Union and promoting civil rights, despite the controversies and setbacks of his presidency, ensure his place as a pivotal figure in American history.
References
Brands, H. W. (2012). The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace. Anchor Books.
Foner, E. (1988). Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877. Harper & Row.
Smith, J. M. (2001). Grant. Simon & Schuster.
White, R. (2016). American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant. Random House.
Wilson, E. C. (2012). Ulysses S. Grant: A Victor, Not a Butcher: The Military Genius of the Man Who Won the Civil War. Skyhorse Publishing.