Grant

About the Author

Ron Chernow, the author of the biography “Grant”, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and biographer known for his meticulous research and masterful storytelling. His works have consistently provided deep insights into some of America's most significant historical figures. Before writing “Grant”, Chernow was celebrated for his biographies of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John D. Rockefeller, each of which earned critical acclaim for its depth and narrative style. His biography of Alexander Hamilton, in particular, inspired the renowned Broadway musical “Hamilton”, cementing his place as one of the most influential biographers of his time. Chernow’s approach in “Grant” is no different; he strives to shed new light on Ulysses S. Grant, a figure often misunderstood by mainstream historians. By drawing on extensive historical records, private correspondence, and interviews, Chernow crafts a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Grant, challenging many of the preconceived notions about his life and legacy.

Main Idea

The main idea of Ron Chernow’s biography “Grant” is to present a more balanced and comprehensive view of Ulysses S. Grant’s life and achievements. Chernow seeks to correct the mainstream narrative that often portrays Grant as a bumbling, inept leader whose success in the Civil War was due to overwhelming resources rather than strategic genius, and whose presidency was marred by corruption and failure. Instead, Chernow paints a picture of a man who, despite his flaws and struggles—particularly with alcohol—was a brilliant military strategist, a champion of civil rights, and a principled leader who fought tirelessly to heal a divided nation. Through this biography, Chernow aims to restore Grant’s reputation, emphasizing his contributions to the Union’s victory in the Civil War, his efforts to protect the rights of freed slaves during Reconstruction, and his personal battle with alcohol, which he ultimately overcame.

Grant’s Military Career

Chernow delves into Grant’s military career with a focus on his role in the Civil War, where he ascended to the position of General-in-Chief of the Union Army. Grant’s military genius is evident in his strategic maneuvers during the Vicksburg Campaign, where he outmaneuvered and outsmarted Confederate forces, securing a crucial victory that contributed significantly to the Union’s overall success. Despite the common perception that Grant was a reckless commander who won battles by sheer force of numbers, Chernow argues that Grant was a strategic thinker who carefully planned his campaigns to minimize casualties and maximize the effectiveness of his forces.

For instance, Chernow highlights Grant’s decision to lay siege to Vicksburg rather than continue with direct assaults after initial failures. This strategic choice, which ultimately led to the Confederate surrender, demonstrated Grant’s ability to adapt his tactics to the situation at hand, avoiding unnecessary loss of life. Chernow also emphasizes Grant’s magnanimous treatment of the Confederate soldiers who surrendered, allowing them to return home with honor rather than imprisoning them, which helped pave the way for post-war reconciliation.

Chernow argues that this strategic brilliance was not an isolated incident but rather a hallmark of Grant’s leadership throughout the Civil War. From the Battle of Shiloh to the final campaign against Robert E. Lee, Grant consistently demonstrated a combination of tenacity and tactical innovation that made him one of the most effective commanders of the war. Chernow’s portrayal of Grant as a military leader is one of a man who was not only capable of winning battles but also of understanding the larger picture of how to bring the war to a successful conclusion, all while maintaining a deep concern for the well-being of his troops and the future of the nation.