Grant: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Grant, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Failure came before greatness
Chernow describes how Ulysses S.
Grant struggled in business and civilian life before the Civil War. He was selling firewood and working in his father's leather shop when the war gave him a new chance.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
He battled drinking
Chernow examines Grant's struggles with alcohol, showing how he fought to control it.
His reputation for drinking was often exaggerated by enemies. Chernow presents his effort to stay in control as a sign of his determination.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
He won key victories
Grant won important victories, including the siege of Vicksburg, which split the Confederacy.
His determination impressed President Lincoln. Chernow shows that these wins gave the Union fresh hope and made Grant a leader the president trusted.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
He led the Union to victory
Grant became commander of all Union armies and pressed relentlessly against the Confederacy.
His strategy helped end the war. Chernow shows that his steady pressure left the Confederacy with fewer chances to recover.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
He was generous at Appomattox
At Appomattox in 1865, Grant offered generous surrender terms to Robert E.
Lee's army. He wanted to heal the nation. Chernow presents this act of kindness as a sign of his wish for a peaceful future.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
He fought for Black rights
As president, Grant pushed Reconstruction and used federal power to fight the Ku Klux Klan.
Chernow argues he was a champion of Black civil rights. Chernow presents this effort as one of the strongest parts of Grant's record.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Scandals marred his presidency
Chernow describes corruption scandals in Grant's administration, though he was personally honest.
These scandals damaged his reputation. Chernow shows that Grant trusted some people who did not deserve his trust, and this hurt him.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
He wrote memoirs while dying
Facing bankruptcy and throat cancer, Grant wrote his memoirs to support his family.
They became a classic of American writing. Chernow presents this last effort as a sign of Grant's courage in the face of pain.
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