People Archives

Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War: A Strategic Leader

What was it like to follow Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War? What kind of leader was Grant? In 1862, Grant was promoted to Major General of Volunteers, making him the second-highest general in the Western Theater. Contrary to Grant’s critics, author Ron Chernow argues that Grant was a cunning strategist and leader in the Civil War, both on and off the battlefield. We’ll focus on two key examples of Grant’s leadership in the Civil War: the Vicksburg campaign and his post-victory treatment of Confederates.

Ulysses S. Grant on Slavery: Was He Opposed to It?

What was Ulysses S. Grant’s stance on slavery? Was he in full support of abolitionism? Ulysses S. Grant was the General of the Union Armies during the Civil War, fighting to preserve the United States as a constitutional union. Despite having a personal opposition to slavery, Grant wasn’t fully committed to the idea of abolitionism. Read more about Ulysses S. Grant on slavery below.

Ulysses S. Grant: Civil Rights Activist Post-Civil War

Was Ulysses S. Grant a civil rights activist? How did Grant help Black citizens during his presidency? For Ulysses S. Grant, civil rights was an important issue that needed to be protected after the Civil War. In his book Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s work as president was essential for safeguarding Black citizens’ civil rights and helping them transition out of slavery. Below we’ll focus on three key instances of Grant encouraging civil rights.

What Did Ulysses S. Grant Do as President of the US?

What did Ulysses S. Grant do as president of the United States? Was he considered a good president? In 1868, as the Republican nominee, Grant defeated incumbent Andrew Johnson to become the 18th President. In Grant, Ron Chernow analyzes Grant’s legacy of Reconstruction—the era lasting from the Civil War’s end until 1877—which saw him attempt to defend civil rights for Black Americans while reconciling with the South. Let’s take a look at what Ulysses S. Grant accomplished (or failed to accomplish) as president.

Ulysses S. Grant: Reconstruction After the Civil War

What did Ulysses S. Grant do during the Reconstruction Era? How did he try to reconcile the North and the South of the United States? In Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s presidency was marked by attempts at international and domestic conciliation. However, these attempts weren’t always successful. Let’s look at Ulysses S. Grant’s reconstruction attempts.

The 2 Ulysses S. Grant Scandals That Ruined His Reputation

What were the worst of Ulysses S. Grant’s scandals? Why was Grant susceptible to corruption? Although Grant showed political poise in other areas, Grant by Ron Chernow contends that his lack of political experience was evident elsewhere. In particular, he argues that Grant’s gullible nature blinded him to corruption by those he trusted, revealing a consistent political naivety. To show as much, we’ll focus on two scandals that marred Grant’s presidency: the so-called Whiskey Ring and Indian Ring scandals.

Was Ulysses S. Grant an Alcoholic? Unveiling the Addiction

Was Ulysses S. Grant an alcoholic? How did Grant overcome his trouble with alcohol use? Many historical accounts suggest Grant drank recklessly and was controlled by intemperate desires during his military career and presidency. But, according to Grant by Ron Chernow, Grant fought valiantly against his tendency toward unhealthy alcohol use and attained victory over this tendency in his final years. Let’s examine Chernow’s account of Grant’s alcohol use.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley (Overview)

What do you know about Malcolm X? How did he rise to leadership? What legacy did he leave? The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley explains how Malcolm X rose from a life of poverty and crime to become a significant leader in the civil rights movement. It provides insights into his fascinating life and explores how his beliefs changed over time. Continue reading for an overview of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Malcolm X’s Mother: Lessons From the Life of Louise Little

Who was Malcolm X’s mother? What role did she play in his life? What can her life teach us today? Though she looked white, Louise Little was a multiracial woman who was married to a Black man in the first half of the 20th century. Malcolm X writes about how his mother endured the tragic death of her husband, struggled to find work during the Great Depression, and ultimately lost access to her children. Read more to learn about the life of Malcolm X’s mother and what it reveals about the era she lived in.

Malcolm X in Boston: Shorty, the Ghetto, & the Road to Prison

Why was Malcolm X drawn to Boston? What did he learn about society there? How did he end up in prison? In Malcolm X’s autobiography, he details his early life and why he chose to move to Boston when he was a teenager. While there, he got a firsthand view of both sides of the coin of Black culture—and one side in particular drew him in. Keep reading to learn about Malcolm X in Boston.