

General Ty Seidule On Our Responsibility To Study, Understand And Grapple With History
6 snips May 17, 2023
Ty Seidule, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and former head of West Point’s history department, delves into the myths surrounding the Civil War in his candid discussion. He emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing historical figures like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, and advocates for thoughtfully choosing whom we commemorate. Seidule highlights the need to confront uncomfortable truths about history and acknowledges diverse contributions, including those of Black soldiers like Henry Flipper, to promote understanding and progress.
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Grant's Excellence
- Ty Seidule considers Ulysses S. Grant the finest soldier ever to wear the U.S. Army blue.
- Grant demonstrated excellence at tactical, operational, strategic, and political levels, a rare combination.
Grant's Calmness at Shiloh
- During the Battle of Shiloh, when General Sherman expressed concern, Grant calmly replied, "Lick 'em tomorrow."
- This showcases Grant's composure under duress.
Grant's Simple Genius
- Grant's genius lies in his simple, clear understanding of the Civil War's core issues.
- His grasp allowed him to effectively communicate the complexities to others, including President Lincoln.