Ulysses S. Grant
Dylan Graffis
"Unconditional Surrender"
Ulysses S. Grant was a major factor in the Civil War and changed America in many ways.
Grant's Childhood and Family
Ulysses S. Grant was born April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio with his parents Jesse Grant and Hannah Grant. Ulysses was working by the age of 7, hauling wagon loads of wood, plowing the fields, and performing other task predominantly done by men.
"If men make war in slavish obedience to rules, they will fail." - Ulysses S. Grant
General Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was a major factor in the civil war. Grant was promoted to first lieutenant upon return to the United States after the Mexican American War. The Civil War begins when Confederate forces attack Fort Sumter. Grant is appointed colonel in the Illinois militia and is later promoted to Brigadier General. Grant gains national attention by capturing Fort Donelson in 1862. Soon after Grant captured Vicksburg which split the Confederacy in half and lead to his appointment as General-In-Chief of the Union Army. The North, and Grant, ultimately won and Lee surrendered at Appomattox in 1865
Ulysses S. Grant for President
Ulysses S. Grant was president from 1869-1877. Although he wasn't the best president he still did many things to help America while he was in office.
Grant helped ratify the 15th amendment which granted African American men the right to vote. He restored the last of the seceded states, exposed the whiskey ring scandal, and admitted Colorado as a state during his presidency as well.
Accomplishments
As a boy Ulysses S. Grant attended U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York and was known there for his excellent horse riding skills. While he was a cadet at West Point he completed many paintings and sketches which still survive. Soon after Grant fought in the Mexican American War. When Grant returned from war he was promoted to first lieutenant. Grant helped lead the North to a civil war victory and while doing so Congress established a new rank of "General" for Grant making him the first 4 star General in U.S. history. After the war Grant served two terms as president, and was the first president to have both of his parents living as he entered office. After his eight years as president Grant took a 2 year tour across the world with his wife, Julia Grant. Grant nearly went bankrupt after a failed investment with Ferdinand Ward. in 1885 Grant was diagnosed with throat cancer, and began to write his memoirs (Grants Personal Memoirs) which are considered a classic of american literature. Grant died July 23, 1885. His burial tomb, Grant's Tomb, is the burial place of Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Grant. it is also the largest mausoleum in North America.
"I appreciate the fact, and am proud of it, that the attentions I am receiving are intended more for our country than for me personally." - Ulysses S. Grant