General/President Ulysses S. Grant General Ulysses S. Grant was the best leader in U.S. history. He led the Union Army to a victory over the Confederacy, and also as the 18th president led a congregational reconstruction and helped to abolish slavery. Also according to ( whitehouse.gov) Grant said in the civil war to the Confederate Army “ No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted”. And that goes to show the work ethic and courage of General / President Ulysses S. Grant. We will start by looking at the young general Ulysses S. Grant, General Grant graduated from West Point Military Academy in …show more content…
the middle of his class. Right out of college General Grant fought in the Mexican War under General Zachary Taylor. Also during the out break of the civil war General Grant was working at his fathers leather shop. And the governor of Galena, Illinois appointed to Grant to lead a group of unruly volunteers. And according to (whitehouse.gov) “ Grant whipped them into shape and had a rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers”. And once again that shows the leadership and influence of General Grant even when he wasn’t at the top of the food chain so to speak. Also the next year Grant took Fort Henry and attacked Fort Donelson. All in one year with a militia. And one of most profound things said about General Grant was at Mahon 2 the most bloodiest battles the battle of Shiloh Grant was not doing to well and other officers wanted him taken out of battle but President Abraham Lincoln said “ I cant spare this man he fights.” (whitehouse.gov) So now we have a leader, influencer, courageous, bold and a fighter. That is one heck of a person if you ask me. But we aren’t done yet. Next General Grant led a victory at the battle of Vicksburg cutting the confederacy in half. And gaining the key city on the Mississippi. Also breaking the confederates hold on Chattanooga. Now we will talk about Ulysses as a major general in the war. After Grant winning the war on the Mississippi and Vicksburg. President Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses Grant as General-in-Chief on March of 1864. When Grant became General-in-chief he directed Sherman to drive through the south while Grant with the Potomac Army, Pinned down the famous Robert E. Lee in northern Virginia. And finally on April, 9, 1865 Appomattox Courthouse Lee surrendered to Grant and his army. And these where just all of Grants accomplishment’s as a General. Now we will look at the presidency of General Ulysses S. Grant. Grant came into office at an incredibly hard time in American history according to (millercenter.org) It was right after the civil war and America was figuring out how to try an rebuild. Grant stuck to the policies of former president Abraham Lincoln. And the policy was to reconcile the north and south once and for all. But also wanting to protect the newly freed slaves. But these tasks where not easy because neither the north or the south Mahon 3 accepted the new political rights for black’s. Grant tried his best with a congregational reconstruction and used federal military to protect black citizen’s. Grant also signing off on the 15th amendment. Allowing all citizens to vote no matter the race or color. Also Grant signed a huge act. Known as the Ku Klux Klan act. Because of the uprise and terrorist acts happening in the south. Grant was then reelected in 1872. Grant rethought the treatment of native americans and the way they are treated. So Grant created the idea of indian reservations closer to the total population and closer the U.S.
citizenship. And also another fact about Grant according to (millercenter.org) “ Grants honesty was never questioned”. So now we have another complimenting fact about Grant. So now we will look at the legacy and impact Grant made. Grant left the White House in 1877 with a remarkable farewell address to congress saying “ It was a misfortune that I didn’t have any political experience when I got called to office”. (millercenter.org) So now we have a humble man to. And the legacy that General/ President Ulysses S. Grant left was hard work, courage, strength, boldness, humbleness, leadership and a fighting American spirit. General/ President Ulysses S. Grant died on July, 23, 1885 and left all of his accomplishments left behind and where never forgotten. Because every single one of the amendments or act’s that Grant signed off on are still in use today. And one last quote from General Grant. “ I purpose to fight it out on this line, even if it takes all summer. “ ~ Ulysses S. Grant~.
(millercenter.org) So now that you have read this it is pretty convincing that this man is defiantly the most influential and best leader in the history of the United States. And will never be Mahon 4 forgotten for the historical accomplishments and the standard that he set for us today.
Nevertheless, an attitude they show is their cause for engaging in the war. On page 110, Lee describes, “With every step of a soldier, with every tick of the clock, the army was gaining safety, closer to victory, closer to the dream of independence.” His words reveal that their reason for coming was to gain their long overdue independence. Without a cause worth fighting for on each side, the war would have no fuel or reason to continue. In like manner, another attitude of the South was their admiration for their commander general. On page 251, Longstreet proclaims, “Colonel, let me explain something. The secret of General Lee is that men love him and follow him with faith in him. That’s one secret.” I believe this clarifies that the bond of brotherhood and respect for each other in this army would allow for these soldiers to follow their leader blindly. The overwhelming amount of faith and trust among the Army of the Northern Virginia is inspiring. The Confederates prove in these appearances that they do indeed have an important cause that they are willing to die
Marrin, Albert. Unconditional Surrender: U.S. Grant and the Civil War. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994. Print.
George Washington was selected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army because of his courage and bravery, his ability to motivate and command respect from his followers, and his strategic ability in battle. His reputation as a daring and successful leader inspired confidence and loyalty in his followers. If it weren't for George Washington, it would be a different America today.
James K. Polk was the most successful president in American history. Polk fulfilled all his campaign promises. During his administration Polk acquired California from Mexico, settled the Oregon dispute, lowered tariffs, established a sub-treasury, and retired from office after one term.
General Lee knows that we have inexperienced men and aims at improving the quality of the troops. He upgrades the quality by tightening command and discipline, improving morale, and convincing the soldiers that the confederacy was in full command of the situation. Lee knew that we are lacking, and devised initiatives to nullify the Union’s superiority in manpower, armaments, and supply by destroying their prearranged plans.
A military genius, Grant possessed the vision to see that modern warfare requires total application of military and economic strength and was thus able to lead the Union to victory. In civilian life, however, he was unable to provide the leadership necessary for a growing industrial nation, even though he always retained the affection of the American public.
Henry Steele Commager’s essay “The Defeat of the Confederacy: An Overview” is more summary than argument. Commager is more concerned with highlighting the complex causality of the war’s end rather than attempting to give a definitive answer. Commager briefly muses over both the South’s strengths
Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, can be listed among the United States’. the greatest leaders of the world. He had many different personal skills which in turn helped him to become one of the presidents of our nation. Some of these skills include being a lawyer, judge, politician, war hero, and most importantly, a great leader. Andrew Jackson can be listed among the great men that formed this country to what it is today.
In 1856, a Presidential election occurred in the United States at a crucial period. Sectionalism was at an all time high and a leader was needed to unite the country. However, the man who won the election did not prove to be this leader. Instead, his platform was based on a deliberate failure to lead. Due to James Buchanan’s position that supported popular sovereignty in the expanding United States, the country divided even further over the topic of slavery to the point that the Civil War became inevitable.
...iduals plotting conspiracy and selling out their promises for a considerable length of time before 1860, and that they were not going to stop short of their objectives. The main thing that might have avoided war might be the acknowledgement of bondage by the United States or the surrender of the United States of every last one of states and regions it held that called itself the Confederacy. Since that might not have finished subjugation, then the response is that there was no elective however to have a clash, a war. Subjugation was the issue, it was the reason. It was an ascertained arrangement by the individuals who decided to ensure servitude by selling out their kinsmen and turning rebellious--to secure subjugation, and not a legendary thought of "state's rights" on the grounds that the main right they thought about was the right to subjugate an alternate race.
Who was the greatest president of the United States? There have been many great presidents in the history of the U.S. Many presidents have led our country through very trying times. Some people believe Lincoln was the greatest president. However, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt led our country at times when a great leader was needed. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the greatest president of the United States because of his New Deal, his great leadership skills, and his strong and deep connection to the people of the United States.
In congruence with President Lincoln’s statements regarding the differentiation between fighting the confederates and ending slavery, Union officers upheld slaveholders constitutionally guaranteed right to own slaves. They continually reassured slave holders in loyal boarder states that the Union would not be fighting against the institution of slavery and any runaway slaves would be returned. This policy was strictly followed by most generals and many runaway slaves were returned to their masters to face punishment or death. Despite this danger, slaves continued to run away and enter Union lines. As this persisted, many Union officers were forced to reconsider the official policy of their superiors. General Benjamin F. Butler was one of the first to break the trend, providing food and shelter to slaves who had previously worked for the Confederacy, and ultimately putting the able-bodied men to work. He justified his actions...
As the United States became divided through civil war in 1861, the Union was in need of a military leader who could carry their Army to victory over the resolute troops of the Confederacy. These demands were met with the unmatched leadership tactics of Commanding Union Army General, Ulysses S. Grant. Grant consistently displayed the values and image of a true military leader. These leadership qualities were displayed both on the battlefield, as Grant commanded Union troops to victory in the American Civil War, and while he served as the 18th President of the United States. Grant was a knowledgeable and skilled military leader, graduating from West Point in 1843 and continuing on to serve in the military until 1854. However, Grant’s military leadership is most clearly characterized through three distinct leadership traits other than his military competence: Firstly, Ulysses S. Grant was determined. Despite how diverse or intimidating the battle or political allegations during his Presidential scandals, Grant did not back down; secondly, Grant was inspirational, and was able to both inspire his men during battle and increase morale of the northern citizens through decisive Union victories; Lastly, Ulysses S. Grant was morally courageous both on and off the battlefield as he made ethical decisions in dealing with the terms of surrender and reconstruction of the South as well as openly supporting and focusing his efforts on emancipation. By possessing these leadership traits, Ulysses S. Grant served as one of the most influential and important military leaders in U.S. history.
Roelofs, Mark H. "The Gettysburg Address: An Exercise in Presidential Legitimation. "Presidential Studies Quarterly 8.3 (1978): 226-36.JSTOR. Wiley.Web. 22 Sept. 2013
Alexander Stephens, Vice-President of the Confederacy, referring to the Confederate government: "Its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery . . . is his natural and normal condition." [Augusta, Georgia, Daily Constitutionalist, March 30, 1861.]