Ulysses S Grant

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Ulysses S. Grant once said, “The art of war is simple enough. Find out where your enemy is. Get at him as soon as you can. Strike him as hard as you can, and keep moving on.” Although this may seem simplistic, this quote is verbatim to what he did during the civil war. Ulysses is a notorious person in U.S history. He was a family man, farmer, store clerk, and the eighteenth president of the United States but his impact as general of the Union army during the Civil War is what he is known for and has made him the legend that he is today.
On April 12 1861, Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter in Charleston and this event started the Civil War. Once Ulysses heard of the news, he quickly left his position as clerk at his family store to volunteer for military service in the Union army. He was first offered a position recruiting and training volunteer troops in Illinois and he accepted although he wanted field command in the actual army. On June 14, 1861, Grant was assigned colonel of the 21st Illinois Infantry, but on August 9th President Abraham Lincoln promoted Grant to Brigadier General. Ulysses’ first battle was on November 17th, 1861 when Grant and his army attacked Fort Belmont but was counterattacked and had to fall back. Although no one really won this battle, it was good experience for Grant and his troops. Grant’s first major victories took place in February 1862. On Feb. 6th, Grant, along with the help of Union Navy Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, took over Fort Henry easily and ten days later defeated Confederate General Gideon J. Pillow at Fort Donelson. After these victories, Lincoln promotes Grant as Major General of Volunteers and gets the nickname “Unconditional Surrender”. Grant’s advancement on Fort Henry and Donel...

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...y 10, 1864; draw), and the Battle of Cold Harbor (June 3, 1864; draw). In these battles, Grant did lose more men than Lee but Grant can obtain replacements and Lee cannot. After the Battle of Cold Harbor, Grant attacks Petersburg and then decides to siege Petersburg, with General Lee inside, for 9 months. The siege of Petersburg effectively destroyed the rebel army, leading to the fall of Richmond and Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House ending the Civil War.
Ulysses S. Grant shows great leadership skills throughout the Civil War and his effect on the war is tremendous. In fact without him, the Union army may not have won. Grant will be forever remembered in history and he carries the legacy of being one of the greatest military commanders.

Works Cited

http://www.granthomepage.com/

http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/ulysses-s-grant.html

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