The Role Of Grant In The Military

After the Civil War, Grant was sent to Madison Barracks in New Sackets Harbor, New York and was eventually out west to Fort Humboldt. Grant became very bored serving as the quartermaster in peace time knowing that he was little more than a commissioned clerk. Grant was eventually promoted to captain but had built a reputation as being a drunk. Grant, separated from his family for some time now, had become lonely without his wife Julia and his sons. To make things worse, Grant’s new commander, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Buchanan, got wind of Grant’s drinking. Buchanan pulled Grant into his office and warned him that another offense would come with server discipline and possibly dismissing him from the army. That offense came shortly after …show more content…
Grant was called upon to train and prepare the community’s volunteer company because of his experience. Grant led the soldiers and expected them to be professional even though they were volunteers. Grant enacted curfews and standards of appearance, conduct, and enforced military standards with his men. Grant did not shout or posture up against his men, knowing that they were volunteers and knew that they should be treated with respect. Grant took pride in his ability to help the country again and even stayed eight weeks to assist in the governor’s office where he worked as a mustering officer, but as a civilian. Grant had a bad experience with the military and ended his career on a bad note, but he did not let this get in his way of helping keep the Union together. Grant was known for being able to make a decision and live with the consequences. Within eight months of being called back to duty, Grant was already being considered a national hero. Grant did not change the way he was, rather, he learned and grew from his experiences. As Grant would win, he gained confidence in his abilities and himself as a person. Grant attributed his success to understanding how to get his men to do what he wanted. After only two short years, Grant was promoted all the way to the rank of General in Chief, a rank only held by one other person, General George …show more content…
Grant narrowly won his first term but his popularity soared allowing him to win his second term in 1872 by a landslide. Grant excelled in giving everyone equal rights, including the Indians. Grant was also known for his diplomatic work with other countries. Grant wanted expansion but wanted it in a peaceful way. Grant’s motto became “let us have peace”. Grant continued Lincoln’s vision of bringing the country back together after the war. Grant worked for everyone to be equal, including freed black men and to keep the peace with the Indians. Grant was known for his ability to do things when others failed. Grant said that the others simply lacked the will to