Who Was The Union General During The Civil War

The American Civil War, a conflict that tore the nation apart from 1861 to 1865, saw a multitude of generals rise to prominence on both sides. However, when discussing the Union Army, one name inevitably surfaces as its most pivotal and influential leader: Ulysses S. Grant. While many other generals contributed to the Union cause, Grant's strategic brilliance, unwavering determination, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances ultimately led the Union to victory.

Ulysses S. Grant's journey to becoming the supreme commander of the Union Army was not straightforward. He faced numerous challenges, including early career setbacks and skepticism from some quarters. However, his performance in key battles and his understanding of the war's overarching objectives gradually earned him the trust of President Abraham Lincoln and the admiration of the Union soldiers. His leadership style, characterized by a relentless pursuit of the enemy and a willingness to accept heavy casualties, proved decisive in grinding down the Confederate forces.

Early Life and Military Career

Born Hiram Ulysses Grant on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant's early life gave little indication of the military prowess he would later display. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was mistakenly enrolled as "Ulysses S. Grant." He decided to keep the name, adopting "S." as his middle initial. He graduated in 1843, ranked 21st in a class of 39.

Grant served in the Mexican-American War under Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott. He distinguished himself as a brave and resourceful officer, earning commendations for his performance in several battles. However, after the war, Grant found it difficult to adjust to peacetime army life. He struggled with loneliness and boredom while stationed at remote outposts. Facing personal and professional challenges, he resigned from the army in 1854.

After leaving the military, Grant tried his hand at various civilian occupations, including farming and real estate, but found little success. He faced financial difficulties and struggled to provide for his family. In 1860, he moved to Galena, Illinois, where he worked in his father's leather goods store.

Rise to Prominence in the Civil War

The outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861 provided Grant with an opportunity to return to military service. He quickly volunteered and was appointed colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Grant's military experience and natural leadership abilities soon became apparent. He impressed his superiors with his organizational skills and his ability to train and motivate his troops.

In August 1861, Grant was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. He was given command of the District of Southeast Missouri and tasked with securing the region for the Union. Grant quickly demonstrated his aggressive and decisive leadership style. In February 1862, he launched an attack on Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, two Confederate strongholds that controlled key waterways in Tennessee.

Grant's capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson was a major victory for the Union. It opened up the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers to Union forces and forced the Confederates to retreat from Kentucky and much of Tennessee. Grant's demand for "unconditional surrender" at Fort Donelson earned him the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant and catapulted him to national fame.

Following his success in Tennessee, Grant played a key role in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. The battle was a bloody and hard-fought affair, with heavy casualties on both sides. Grant's forces were initially surprised by a Confederate attack, but he rallied his troops and launched a counterattack that ultimately drove the Confederates from the field.

Vicksburg and Chattanooga

Despite his successes, Grant faced criticism and setbacks in the early years of the war. Some questioned his leadership abilities and accused him of being reckless and indifferent to casualties. However, President Lincoln recognized Grant's potential and continued to support him.

In 1863, Grant was given command of the Union Army of the Tennessee and tasked with capturing Vicksburg, Mississippi, a key Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg Campaign was a brilliant display of military strategy and leadership. Grant marched his army deep into enemy territory, outmaneuvering Confederate forces and laying siege to Vicksburg. After a 47-day siege, Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863, giving the Union control of the entire Mississippi River.

The capture of Vicksburg was a major turning point in the Civil War. It split the Confederacy in two and opened up the way for Union forces to advance into the heart of the South. Grant's victory at Vicksburg solidified his reputation as one of the Union's most capable and successful generals.

Following his success at Vicksburg, Grant was transferred to the Eastern Theater and given command of the Military Division of the Mississippi. In November 1863, he led Union forces to victory at the Battle of Chattanooga, driving the Confederates from their positions overlooking the city. The victory at Chattanooga opened up the way for a Union invasion of Georgia.

Commander of the Union Army

In March 1864, President Lincoln appointed Grant as General-in-Chief of the Union Army. Grant was given overall command of all Union forces and tasked with devising a strategy to defeat the Confederacy and end the war.

Grant's strategy was based on a coordinated offensive across multiple fronts. He ordered Union armies to attack Confederate forces simultaneously in Virginia, Georgia, and other key locations. Grant's goal was to stretch Confederate resources and prevent them from reinforcing each other. He also understood the importance of destroying the South's economic infrastructure and its ability to wage war.

In Virginia, Grant personally led the Army of the Potomac in a series of battles against General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The Overland Campaign, as it became known, was a brutal and bloody affair, with heavy casualties on both sides. Grant's forces suffered significant losses in battles such as the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. However, Grant refused to retreat or give up the offensive. He relentlessly pursued Lee's army, pushing it back towards Richmond.

Grant's strategy in the Overland Campaign was based on attrition. He knew that the Union had greater resources and manpower than the Confederacy. By constantly attacking Lee's army, Grant aimed to wear it down and deplete its ability to resist. His willingness to accept heavy casualties earned him criticism from some quarters, but it ultimately proved successful.

The Siege of Petersburg and Appomattox

After the Overland Campaign, Grant laid siege to Petersburg, Virginia, a key transportation hub south of Richmond. The Siege of Petersburg lasted for nine months, during which time Union forces gradually tightened their grip on the city. Lee's army was trapped in Petersburg, unable to maneuver or resupply itself effectively.

In April 1865, Grant launched a final assault on Petersburg, breaking through the Confederate defenses. Lee was forced to abandon Petersburg and Richmond, the Confederate capital. Grant pursued Lee's retreating army relentlessly, cutting off its escape routes.

On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered his army to Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The surrender of Lee's army effectively ended the Civil War. Grant's generous terms of surrender helped to promote reconciliation between the North and the South. He allowed Confederate officers to keep their sidearms and horses, and he provided food rations to the starving Confederate soldiers.

Leadership Style and Impact

Ulysses S. Grant's leadership style was characterized by several key traits:

• Determination: Grant was known for his unwavering determination and his refusal to give up, even in the face of adversity. He was willing to take risks and push his troops to their limits in order to achieve victory.
• Aggressiveness: Grant was an aggressive commander who believed in taking the offensive. He constantly sought to attack and disrupt enemy forces, rather than simply reacting to their moves.
• Strategic Vision: Grant had a clear understanding of the overall objectives of the war and how to achieve them. He developed a coordinated strategy that involved multiple Union armies attacking Confederate forces simultaneously.
• Adaptability: Grant was able to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from his mistakes. He was not afraid to try new tactics or strategies if the old ones were not working.
• Trust in Subordinates: Grant had a knack for identifying talented subordinates and trusting them to carry out his orders. He delegated authority effectively and allowed his subordinates to exercise their own judgment.

Grant's impact on the Civil War was profound. His leadership was instrumental in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Union. His victories at Fort Donelson, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga were crucial in weakening the Confederacy and opening up the way for Union advances. His relentless pursuit of Lee's army in Virginia ultimately led to the Confederacy's surrender.

Post-War Career and Legacy

After the Civil War, Grant was hailed as a national hero. He was promoted to General of the Army, a rank equivalent to a five-star general. He served as Secretary of War under President Andrew Johnson from 1867 to 1868.

In 1868, Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States. He served two terms, from 1869 to 1877. Grant's presidency was marked by efforts to reconstruct the South and protect the rights of African Americans. He signed legislation to enforce the 14th and 15th Amendments, which granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans.

However, Grant's presidency was also marred by corruption and scandal. Several members of his administration were accused of wrongdoing, and Grant himself was criticized for his handling of the economic depression of 1873.

After leaving the presidency, Grant faced financial difficulties. He invested in a fraudulent investment firm and lost his savings. In order to provide for his family, he began writing his memoirs.

Grant's memoirs, titled "Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant," were published in 1885, shortly after his death. The memoirs were a critical and commercial success, and they are now considered to be one of the greatest works of American military literature.

Ulysses S. Grant died on July 23, 1885, at the age of 63. He is buried in Grant's Tomb in New York City.

Grant's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is remembered as a brilliant military strategist, a courageous leader, and a champion of civil rights. He is also remembered for the corruption and scandal that plagued his presidency. However, his contributions to the Union victory in the Civil War and his efforts to reconstruct the South cannot be denied. Ulysses S. Grant remains a towering figure in American history, a symbol of the resilience, determination, and ultimate triumph of the Union cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was Ulysses S. Grant the only Union general during the Civil War? A: No, there were many Union generals. However, Grant rose to become the General-in-Chief and is widely regarded as the most influential.

Q: What was Grant's leadership style? A: Grant was known for his determination, aggressiveness, strategic vision, adaptability, and trust in his subordinates.

Q: What were Grant's major accomplishments during the Civil War? A: His major accomplishments include the capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, the Vicksburg Campaign, and the victory at Chattanooga. He also led the Union Army to victory, culminating in Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

Q: What did Grant do after the Civil War? A: Grant served as Secretary of War and later as the 18th President of the United States. He also wrote his memoirs, which are considered a classic of American literature.

Q: What is Grant's legacy? A: Grant's legacy is complex, but he is primarily remembered as a brilliant military strategist and a key figure in the Union victory in the Civil War.

Conclusion

Ulysses S. Grant stands as the quintessential Union general of the Civil War. His ascent from relative obscurity to the supreme commander of the Union Army is a testament to his strategic acumen, unwavering resolve, and ability to adapt to the brutal realities of war. While other generals contributed to the Union cause, Grant's leadership was undeniably pivotal in securing victory and preserving the nation. His impact on American history extends beyond the battlefield, shaping the course of Reconstruction and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be studied and debated.

What aspects of Grant's leadership do you find most compelling? How do you think his approach to war compares to that of other Civil War generals?