Grant vs. Lee

These videos presented by Dr. Callahan, compares and contrasts the two major generals of the Civil War. Those two men are General Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.Dr Callahan stated, "When Thinking of Great military leaders you think of Grant and Lee." Dr. Callahan tells the two generals backgrounds and discusses their unique military experiences and tactics. Dr. Callahan explains why these two generals became the amazing generals that they were. Dr. Callahan also tells of about the generals' lives after the war.

These videos are very interesting because they explain what these two men were like and what kind of lives they lived. General Lee was the great christian marvel who never cursed or drank while General Grant smoked and drank heavily. Despite Grant's follies in character, he was an outstanding General who led the union troops to victory. I disagree with Dr. Callahan on his claims of General Lee's temper. I do not believe that General Lee would order a soldier to be shot over a stolen pig. Despite my disagreements, Lee and Grant were two of the greatest generals during the Civil War.








Callahan. "General Lee vs General Grant. " 29 June 2007. Online video clip. Youtube. Accessed on 08 April 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=ITJzHp0OmME&feature=related/a'>http://www.youtube.com/watch#v=ITJzHp0OmME&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=ITJzHp0OmME&feature=related/a

Lee's Military Career

Robert E. Lee attended West Point, the most prestigous military academy in the country, in 1825 and graduated in 1829. During this time Lee never recieved a single demerit, or mark of misconduct. Joseph E. Johnston a classmate, who later fought with Lee in the Civil War wrote, "No other youth ... so united the qualities that win warm friendship and command high respect. For he was full of sympathy and kindness, genial and fond of gay conversation, and even fun." In 1846, the U.S. Army sent Lee to Mexico to survey land for the commanding general, Winfield Scott. Soon, Lee was giving General Scott advice on strategy, even though Scott was the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Army. Before the Mexican War had ended, Lee was promoted to the rank of brevet colonel. After the war had ended, Lee returned home and was appointed superintendent of West Point from 1852-1855. After that time, Lee was called to duty by the military for his leadership skills. Presidnet James Buchanan called on Lee to lead a group of Marines to capture the abolitionists who participated in John Brown's Raid. Lee and his men arived at Harper's Ferry and captured John Brown and his followers. Lee returns home in 1859, during the early stages leading up to the Civil War.

General Lee was without a doubt one of the most experienced commanders before the outbreak of the Civil War. His leadership abilities were unmatched by many other commanders at this time. Lee's sense of duty and steadfast determination were unfailing throughout the duration of the war. Lee's schooling at West Point and his superior knowledge of military tactics made him one of the greatest generals of that time and throughout history. General Lee very well may have been the greatest general during the Civil War.



Gillis, Jennifer Blizin. "The Marble Man." Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books. 2005. 23-29. Print

Gillis, Jennifer Blizin. "A Young Soldier." Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books. 2005. 31-43. Print

In the book, Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander by Jennifer Blizin Gillis tells of how General Lee was the most sought after officer before the Civil War even broke out. Both the Union and the Confederacy wanted Robert E. Lee to command their troops. Blizin stated, "President Lincoln commanded General Winfield Scott to request General Lee's command of the entire Union Army" (pg.3)Eventually Lee would decide to side with his home state of Virginia and lead the Southern troops into battle.

My research led me to General Lee because he was one of the most prestigious generals throughout the Civil War and through history. This book showed me everything that happened in Robert E. Lee's life from birth to death. It was a fascinating book because I kept learning more and more about a phenomenal general as well as a man. General Lee was one of the greatest generals of all time.

Gillis, Jennifer Blizin. "A Difficult Decision." Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books. 2005. 9-15. Print