magiccarouselsundays.com – “Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely Hero” by Brooks D. Simpson offers a fresh and comprehensive examination of Ulysses S. Grant—the 18th President of the United States and one of the most celebrated generals of the Civil War. While Grant is often revered for his military leadership, Simpson’s biography provides a deeper understanding of his life, both in and out of uniform, shedding light on the personal, political, and professional challenges that defined him.
Simpson, a historian known for his expertise on the Civil War era, delves into the complexities of Grant’s career and life, offering a nuanced portrait of a man who rose from relatively humble beginnings to become a national hero. Through this biography, Simpson explores how Grant’s unlikely journey—marked by personal struggles, military successes, and political controversies—shaped his reputation as one of America’s most important figures.
This article will delve into the major themes of Simpson’s book, from Grant’s early life and military career to his Civil War triumphs, presidency, and legacy. By examining Grant’s growth as both a leader and a person, we can better understand how he evolved from an underdog into the figure who ultimately became a hero of the Union.
Introduction: The Making of an Unlikely Hero
Ulysses Simpson Grant (originally born as Hiram Ulysses Grant) was, by all measures, an unlikely hero. He came from a modest background and initially struggled to find success in both civilian life and his early military career. His unremarkable early years would eventually give way to a life that defied expectations, leading him to become one of the most important figures in American history.
Simpson’s biography explores how Grant’s early life—growing up in a small town in Ohio—was shaped by a determined work ethic, a sense of personal responsibility, and a willingness to persevere through adversity. While not a standout student or athlete, Grant demonstrated a strong sense of duty from a young age, qualities that would serve him well in his later military and political career.
Simpson argues that it was Grant’s tenacity and resolve—rather than any innate genius or exceptional charisma—that made him rise to prominence. This portrayal emphasizes Grant’s humility and highlights the challenges he faced in achieving greatness. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who came from wealthy or well-connected backgrounds, Grant built his career through sheer perseverance and grit. This relatability and his everyman qualities contributed to the “unlikely hero” narrative that Simpson explores throughout the biography.
Early Life and Struggles: Humble Beginnings
Grant was born on April 27, 1822, in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the first child of Jesse R. Grant, a tanner and merchant, and Hannah Simpson Grant. His family moved several times during his youth, and though they were not poor, they were by no means wealthy. Grant’s early years were marked by a lack of focus on formal education. He showed little interest in school and was often described as a quiet and reserved child.
However, Grant’s father insisted that he attend West Point, and in 1839, Grant entered the prestigious military academy. Despite his initial reservations, Grant graduated from West Point in 1843, ranked 21st out of 39 cadets. While his academic performance was far from stellar, his time at the academy proved to be a formative experience that introduced him to the military world.
Upon graduation, Grant’s early career was marked by a series of unremarkable postings. He served in the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), but his experience was somewhat subdued compared to the heroic feats of others. Yet, his time in the war gave him valuable leadership experience and helped to shape his understanding of military tactics and strategy. After the war, Grant’s life took a downturn as he struggled to find his footing in peacetime. He was demoted and stationed in remote locations, and after a series of personal and professional setbacks, he resigned from the army in 1854, leaving him to try his hand at civilian life.
During the years that followed, Grant struggled with various businesses, including a failing real estate venture and working at his father’s leather goods store. Simpson’s biography highlights how these years were a crucial period in Grant’s development, shaping his character and teaching him lessons in resilience. Despite these struggles, Grant’s ability to rebound from failure was central to his later success.
The Civil War: Grant’s Military Triumphs
Grant’s fortunes changed dramatically with the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Despite his lack of notable civilian success, Grant quickly found his place in the military once more, and his ability to seize opportunities would define his career. His rise through the ranks was fast and impressive, as he demonstrated the characteristics that would become hallmarks of his leadership: persistence, determination, and an unwavering belief in victory.
Simpson explores how Grant’s early military campaigns during the Civil War were marked by decisiveness and aggressiveness. One of his first major successes came with the capture of Fort Donelson in February 1862, a pivotal victory that earned him national recognition. Grant’s famous demand for unconditional surrender from the Confederate forces at the fort earned him the nickname “Unconditional Surrender Grant”, solidifying his reputation as a determined and relentless leader.
Grant’s victory at Shiloh (April 1862), though costly, further demonstrated his courage and strategic acumen. Simpson discusses how Grant’s ability to rally his forces after the surprise Confederate attack at Shiloh set the stage for his rise to the top of the Union military leadership. Grant’s willingness to continue fighting, even in the face of personal and professional criticism, was a defining feature of his character.
The pivotal moment in Grant’s career came in 1864 when he was appointed General-in-Chief of the Union Army. Simpson’s biography provides a detailed analysis of the Overland Campaign, which pitted Grant against Confederate General Robert E. Lee in a war of attrition. Grant’s relentless pursuit of Lee, combined with his strategy of coordinated offensives across multiple fronts, led to the eventual Union victory in 1865.
Grant’s leadership during the war was characterized by his willingness to embrace total war—a strategy aimed at not only defeating Confederate armies but also breaking the will of the Southern population to continue fighting. His approach was controversial at the time, but Simpson argues that it was this determination to win at all costs that ultimately led to victory.
The Presidency: Grant’s Struggles in Politics
After the war, Grant’s fame and popularity led to his election as the 18th President of the United States in 1868. However, as Simpson explores, Grant’s presidency was far from the triumphant continuation of his military career. His administration was marred by political naivety, corruption scandals, and economic turmoil. Despite his best intentions, Grant struggled to navigate the complex political landscape of post-Civil War America.
One of the major challenges Grant faced was overseeing the Reconstruction of the South. As president, Grant was a staunch advocate for civil rights and worked to enforce the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which sought to provide equality and protections for formerly enslaved people. He also fought against the rise of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, passing the Enforcement Acts to combat their violence.
However, Grant’s presidency was plagued by political scandals. The most notable of these was the Whiskey Ring, in which government officials were accused of embezzling tax money from the whiskey industry. While Grant himself was not involved in the corruption, his defense of associates who were implicated in the scandal severely damaged his administration’s credibility.
Grant’s economic policies were also controversial. The Panic of 1873 plunged the nation into a severe depression, and his efforts to maintain the gold standard were widely criticized. Simpson argues that Grant’s inability to manage these economic crises and his failure to adequately address corruption within his administration were significant factors that tarnished his political legacy.
Post-Presidency: Grant’s Later Years
After leaving office in 1877, Grant attempted to restore his reputation through his writing. His Personal Memoirs, published in 1885, became an enduring contribution to American literature and history. Through these memoirs, Simpson argues, Grant was able to define his own legacy, offering his perspective on the Civil War and his leadership. The memoirs were a critical success, both financially and historically, and helped solidify Grant’s place in American memory as a national hero.
Grant also faced personal financial difficulties after his presidency. Despite his fame, he struggled with investments that failed, leading to financial ruin. In his final years, Grant was forced to confront the reality of his personal and financial challenges. He passed away on July 23, 1885, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy that has been the subject of much debate and reflection.
Conclusion: Ulysses S. Grant’s Unlikely Heroism
Brooks D. Simpson’s “Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely Hero” provides a rich and multi-faceted portrait of one of America’s most complex and enduring historical figures. By examining Grant’s early struggles, his military triumphs, his presidency, and his post-presidency efforts to rehabilitate his legacy, Simpson offers a compelling narrative of a man who defied expectations at every turn.
Grant’s rise from a struggling young man to one of the most celebrated leaders in American history is a testament to his resilience, integrity, and commitment to national unity. While his presidency may have been marred by scandals and failures, his contributions to the Union victory in the Civil War and his efforts in Reconstruction remain vital to understanding his place in American history.
Ultimately, Ulysses S. Grant’s unlikeliness as a hero—marked by personal struggles, political missteps, and military triumphs—makes his story one of perseverance and determination. Simpson’s biography reminds us that heroism often emerges in the most unexpected ways, and Grant’s life is a powerful example of how tenacity and duty can shape the course of history.