jacksondwj.com – “Grant: A Civil War Biography” by William S. McFeely stands as one of the most comprehensive and well-regarded examinations of Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general who ultimately became the 18th President of the United States. This biography offers an insightful and deeply human portrayal of a man whose military leadership played a critical role in securing the Union’s victory during the American Civil War. McFeely’s work presents Grant not just as a general, but as a complex individual whose life and legacy transcend the historical battles he fought.
In this article, we will explore the key themes of McFeely’s biography, focusing on Grant’s early life, his rise to prominence during the Civil War, his military strategies, his leadership style, and the lasting impact he had on the course of American history. The biography provides a unique lens through which to examine Grant’s role as a military leader, while also offering an intimate glimpse into his personal struggles, weaknesses, and enduring perseverance in the face of adversity.
Grant’s Early Life: A Man of Humble Origins
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, in 1822, the son of Jesse Grant, a tanner, and Hannah Simpson Grant, a devout and supportive mother. Raised in a modest, working-class family, Grant was not initially marked as an outstanding figure in American history. His early years were filled with struggles, and his academic performance at West Point was only average at best. Though Grant’s early life was far from exceptional, McFeely’s biography stresses that his formative years were critical in shaping his character and resolve.
One of the defining characteristics of Grant, according to McFeely, was his quiet determination. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Grant did not seek glory or attention; instead, he quietly persevered in the face of adversity, both personally and professionally. McFeely emphasizes that this trait of determination would ultimately be one of Grant’s most valuable assets during the Civil War, as he would face immense challenges in his military career, as well as personal struggles, and continue to push forward.
After graduating from West Point in 1843, Grant’s early military career was marked by periods of stagnation and personal disappointment. He served with distinction during the Mexican-American War, under the command of General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott, where he gained valuable military experience. However, following the war, Grant faced a period of personal and professional struggles. He resigned from the military in 1854, unable to find fulfillment in civilian life. McFeely discusses how these early experiences of failure and self-doubt set the stage for Grant’s personal growth, as he would later rise above these hardships in his role during the Civil War.
The Civil War: Grant’s Ascension to Prominence
The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 would change the trajectory of Grant’s life. At the time, he was living in near-obscurity, working as a clerk in his father’s leather goods business. However, as McFeely describes, the war provided Grant with an opportunity to return to military service. His experiences in the Mexican-American War, combined with his resilience and leadership qualities, soon propelled him to prominence in the Union Army.
The Rise of Grant: Key Early Victories
Grant’s first notable victory came in 1862 with the capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in Tennessee. These successes were crucial in opening up the Western Theater of the Civil War and providing the Union Army with a strategic advantage. McFeely’s biography highlights how these victories earned Grant a reputation as a tenacious and capable leader, willing to take risks and fight hard for the Union cause. His famous demand for the surrender of Fort Donelson’s Confederate garrison, “No terms except unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted,” earned him the nickname “Unconditional Surrender Grant,” cementing his image as a resolute and uncompromising leader.
These early victories helped to establish Grant as a trusted and respected military commander. However, as McFeely shows, Grant’s successes were not without setbacks. Grant’s reputation would face significant tests as he took on more challenging responsibilities, including his role in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862.
The Battle of Shiloh: A Defining Moment
The Battle of Shiloh was one of the bloodiest and most significant battles of the Civil War, and it would prove to be a defining moment in Grant’s career. McFeely presents Shiloh as a battle that, though won by the Union, was marred by confusion, miscommunication, and heavy casualties. Grant’s leadership during the battle was initially questioned, as Confederate forces launched a surprise attack that nearly caught the Union Army off guard. However, Grant’s quick thinking and decisive action allowed his forces to regroup and secure a victory.
While Grant’s leadership at Shiloh was later praised for its resilience and determination, the battle also exposed Grant’s flaws. His unyielding nature—sometimes seen as an asset—was also a potential liability in the face of large-scale conflict. McFeely explores how Grant’s ability to learn from his mistakes and adapt his strategy was crucial in solidifying his status as a leader.
The Siege of Vicksburg: Grant’s Military Genius
One of Grant’s most celebrated military achievements was his siege of Vicksburg, which McFeely describes as a masterclass in military strategy. The city of Vicksburg, located on the Mississippi River, was a key Confederate stronghold, and its capture would effectively split the Confederacy in two. Grant’s innovative use of siege tactics, along with his ability to outmaneuver the Confederate forces, led to the eventual surrender of the city on July 4, 1863.
The victory at Vicksburg was a turning point in the Civil War. It was one of the Union’s most significant successes, and it elevated Grant to national prominence. McFeely’s analysis underscores how the siege of Vicksburg not only demonstrated Grant’s military genius but also his ability to lead his troops through extremely difficult circumstances, making him a key figure in the Union’s path to victory.
Grant’s Leadership: A Military Vision and Unwavering Resolve
Throughout his military career, Ulysses S. Grant was characterized by his unwavering resolve and his ability to make difficult decisions in the heat of battle. McFeely emphasizes that Grant’s leadership was grounded in his commitment to total war—the belief that the Union had to strike at the heart of the Confederacy, not just its military forces, but its infrastructure and resources as well. This approach was embodied in his campaigns in Virginia, culminating in the Overland Campaign and his relentless pursuit of General Robert E. Lee.
In McFeely’s telling, Grant’s leadership was also marked by his decisiveness and focus. He rarely wavered from his strategic objectives, even when faced with setbacks. His ability to maintain focus on his ultimate goal—the preservation of the Union—allowed him to navigate the political pressures of the time and make difficult choices that led to victory.
Grant’s relationship with President Abraham Lincoln was also pivotal to his success. McFeely’s biography explores the trust and mutual respect that existed between the two men. Lincoln recognized Grant’s military capabilities and offered him the autonomy to wage the war as he saw fit. This partnership allowed Grant to implement his strategies without interference, and it was instrumental in the Union’s success.
The Surrender at Appomattox: The End of the Civil War
The culmination of Grant’s efforts came in April 1865 with the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House. McFeely’s analysis of this moment is both reflective and poignant, highlighting how Grant’s leadership had brought the Union to the brink of victory. The surrender was not only a military triumph, but a moment of moral clarity. McFeely underscores that Grant’s decision to offer generous terms of surrender to Lee’s troops was an act of reconciliation that symbolized his commitment to healing a divided nation.
The terms of surrender, which allowed Lee’s soldiers to return home with their horses and keep their sidearms, demonstrated Grant’s foresight and his belief that a quick and peaceful reconciliation would be essential to rebuilding the nation after the war. McFeely reflects on how Grant’s magnanimity at Appomattox became a defining feature of his leadership.
Legacy: A Complex Hero
“Grant: A Civil War Biography” is ultimately a reflection on the legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. McFeely’s nuanced portrayal of Grant shows that, while he was not without flaws, his contributions to the Union’s victory were invaluable. Grant’s military genius, coupled with his unyielding resolve and his focus on the greater good, made him a pivotal figure in the Civil War. However, McFeely also presents a more human side of Grant—a man who struggled with personal demons, including his occasional battles with alcoholism and his difficulties in managing the political challenges of his presidency.
Grant’s legacy as a military leader and a president has been the subject of much debate, but McFeely’s biography provides a well-rounded and honest exploration of his life. The triumphs and failures of Grant’s career, as McFeely shows, reflect the broader struggles of the American nation during the 19th century.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on American History
William S. McFeely’s “Grant: A Civil War Biography” offers a compelling, thorough, and deeply human account of one of the most significant figures in American history. Through a careful examination of Grant’s military career, his leadership, and his lasting impact on the nation, McFeely gives readers a clearer understanding of why Ulysses S. Grant remains a pivotal figure in the story of the United States. While Grant’s life was filled with contradictions and complexities, McFeely shows that his determination, resilience, and commitment to the Union ultimately helped secure the future of the United States.