This course will review the life and career of Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War general and 18th president of the United States, with its remarkable contrasts. Was he a brilliant general or butcher? Great president or incompetent? Incorruptible or corrupt? Humanitarian or Native American oppressor?

Grant promoted outstanding generals, yet was a poor judge of some cabinet selectees and financial advisors. He was living in poverty and obscurity before the Civil War, yet rose to become General of the Army and President of the United States. To delve deeper into these contrasts, we will look at Grant’s childhood, early military career, military record during and after the Civil War, and his presidency. We will consider Grant’s performance during the Civil War in some depth, comparing it to some other generals. Then, we will cover Grant’s record during his two terms as president, including selected aspects of his role in Reconstruction, interactions with Native Americans, the contested presidential election of 1876, and the U.S. arrival as a globally recognized power.

Historians are divided on Grant’s legacy, so there should be some lively class discussions.