2008 Winner of Dr. Wilt Scholarship
The topic for 2008 Scholarship was-
"It is generally agreed that the two greatest military figures of the Civil War were Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. In your essay we would like you to compare and contrast these two great commanders, focusing on their individual personalities, leadership characteristics, capacity to make difficult decisions promptly and correctly, their ability to plan long term strategy, and any other aspect of military leadership you wish to include in your essay. The strengths and weaknesses of each of these leaders should also be noted and lastly your are to make judgement as to which of these men deserves to be called the greatest commander of the Civil War".
Essay
The Greatest Commander of the American Civil War
At a time when more men were dying than in all other wars combined, when slaves were becoming emancipated, when paper money was created, two of the greatest military figures in American history were pitted against each other. Although they both are long gone, Ulysses s. Grant and Robert E. Lee continue to battle against each other, this time for the title of greatest commander in the civil war.
Ulysses S. Grant served as Lieutenant general for the Union, who has been long admired for his dedication to the fight. Abraham Lincoln summed up Grant’s character in seven words: “I can’t spare this man. He fights” (“Ulysses S. Grant,” par. 13). Grant was willing to fight it out to the bitter end and can be quoted about the Battle of the Spotsylvania Courthouse saying, “I propose to fight it out along this line if it takes all summer” (“Ulysses S. Grant, “Par. 12). He was a leader who was able to make sacrifices for progress. Although there were over 23,000 casualties at the Battle of Shiloh, Grant did not back down until the victory was at . This ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This was one of Grant’s greatest strategies-acting akin to the Energizer Bunny. His strategy was not to win individual strategies, but to be constantly fighting so that Lee’s army would wear out. This attitude to go for it fully and relentlessly awarded him the nickname Unconditional Surrender Grant (“Ulysses S. Grant, “ par. 8). Grant was not only relentless on the battle field, but in the South’s economy. He created the strategy of total war, in which the goal was to destroy the army’s economic supplies to the army (“Ulysses s. Grant,”, par. 11). Sherman’s famous March to the Sea decimated the South by emp0loying this tactic of total war, destroying everything in sight. It must be noted however, that Grant was not entirely heartless, as he was clearly moved by the wounded and dying soldiers that fought under him.
Opposing Grant was General Robert E. Lee, who is widely known for making up for his smaller numbers and lack of materials in creative and daring tactics. Originally given the nickname “Granny Lee,” over the course of a few key battles (Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Fredricksburg), he turned his image around and be called “Uncle Robert” (“Robert E. Lee, “ par. 11). Lee is admired for his risk taking abilities and energy in battle; he preferred to be on the offensive. However, it was this preference for attack that led to a costly defeat at Gettysburg (Answer.com, par. 4). Although he was pitted against the larger and stronger armies of the North, Lee was able to put up a valiant fight with his devoted Army of Northern Virginia. Besides his daring tactics, it is his loyalty, honor, and gentleman spirit that has set him apart from he rest.
However great both commanders were, they also had their fair share of weaknesses. Grant was believed to be an alcoholic with quite the taste for whiskey. It must be added that, his fast-p-aced, unrelenting attitude did not always pay off, a as seen in the tragedy at Cold Harbor (“Ulysses S. Grant,” par. 12). One of Robert E. Lee’s most noted weaknesses was his inability to deal with irritated subordinates (specifically, Longstreet) (Answers.com, par. 16)
Although Robert E. Lee put up a valiant fight, it is because of Ulysses S. Grant’s persistent and uncompromising tactics and revolutionary total war strategy that I believe that he deserves to own the title of Greatest Commander of the American Civil War. But no matter who has the title, both well be revered for their strategies and spirits by generations to come.
Works Cited
“Robert E. Lee.” Answers.com 2008. 12Apr2008
http://www.answers.com/topic/robert-e-lee
“Robert E. Lee.” Wikipediat. 12APR 2008. 12 Apr 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Lee
“Ulysses S. Grant.” Wikipedia. 12 APR 2008 12 Apr 2008
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