Ulysses S. Grant

Definition

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States (1869-1877) and a Union general during the Civil War. He is known for his role in leading the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy.

Analogy

Think of Ulysses S. Grant as a star quarterback on a football team, who not only led his team to win the Super Bowl (the Civil War), but also became the coach (President) later on.

Related terms

Abraham Lincoln: The 16th president of the United States, who served during the Civil War and appointed Grant as commander of all Union armies in 1864.

Robert E. Lee: A Confederate general during the American Civil War who surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the war.

Reconstruction Era: The period after the Civil War from 1865-1877 when efforts were made to reintegrate Southern states back into Union and rebuild Southern economy; this era was marked by significant political changes including passage of amendments granting civil rights and voting rights to freed slaves.