American History Hit Ulysses S. Grant & the Civil War
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Apr 11, 2024 Historian Cecily Zander and host discuss Ulysses S. Grant's strategic brilliance in the Civil War, his role in battles like Fort Henry and Donaldson, and his relationship with Lincoln. They delve into Grant's rise to General, his tactics at the siege of Vicksburg, and debunk myths about his leadership.
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How His Name Became Ulysses S. Grant
- Grant arrived at West Point listed as "Ulysses S. Grant" due to a congressman's error.
- He accepted the mistaken initial rather than correct it, and the name stuck throughout his life.
Mexico War Shaped His Military Mind
- Grant learned logistics and siege techniques in the Mexican–American War that later shaped his Civil War campaigns.
- He combined lessons from Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott into audacious operational plans.
Post-Army Struggles And Recovery
- After leaving the army Grant struggled in civilian life, tried farming, and drank while lonely in the Pacific Northwest.
- He later acknowledged the problem, left drinking behind, and resigned honorably rather than be dismissed.