Ulysses Simpson Grant essays

Ulysses Simpson Grant essays Ulysses Simpson Grant was born April 27, 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio to a very patriotic family who boasted American roots for generations. In 1839 Grants father enrolled him in the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. Grant was quoted later to saying, A military life had no charms for me, to get through the course, secure a detail for a few years as assistant professor of mathematics at the Academy and afterwards obtain a permanent position as professor at some respectable college... His record at West Point was not very good, regardless he graduated 21st in his class in 1843. After, he was commissioned to be the Second Lieutenant of the Fourth U.S. Infantry, he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, near St. Louis, Missouri. In St. Louis Grant met his future wife, Julia Dent. In September 20, 1845 Grant was promoted to Full Second Lieutenant in the Mexican War. He participated in the battles of, Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma and Monterrey. After the Mexican War, Ulysses returned to Missouri to start a family. On August 22, 1848 he married Julia Dent. Together they had four children. In the Civil War, Grant served as the Major General in the Regular Army. He successfully aided in the defeat of the South. On April 9, 1865 General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army surrendered to Grant. Because of his overwhelming popularity at the time, Ulysses Grant was encouraged to run for the presidency. So, in 1868 Grant ran against Democrat, Horatio Seymour and won 214 out of the 294 Electoral votes. Grant was not a politician, and didnt have the full comprehension of the job of President. The people that he appointed for Cabinet and other posts were given to personal friends and wealthy men who helped him with is campaign. While in office Grant tried to enforce the 14th Amendment (all native born persons were citizens) and the 15th Amendment (gave voting rights regardless of race or c ...