Before he became president of the United States in 1869, Ulysses S. Grant led quite an exciting life. He grew up on a farm in Ohio, went to college at West Point, and joined the U.S. Army. He then fought in the Mexican-American War and later the American Civil War. In fact, by the end of the Civil War, he was the highest ranked general in the Union army. Besides significant information like this, readers of this thought-provoking book will also learn how the military man became involved in politics. Striking images and fact boxes supplement this noteworthy biography.

What better way to study the presidents of the United States than through an exploration of the times in which they lived and served? Presidents and Their Times examines the life and times of each president, placing each within his historical and cultural context, while at the same time focusing on the major events that occurred during each president's administration. This in-depth series delves into the time period and formative events of each president's term, revealing childhood character-building experiences, entry into politics, major events of the presidency, and a look at life after the presidency. With its clearly written and accessible text, primary sources, and vivid historical photographs, this series will bring to the forefront the life and times of the presidents of the United States.

Publisher Description

Ulysses S. Grant was a remarkable American military officer and politician. As the Commanding General of the Union Army, he successfully led them to victory during the American Civil War. After serving as the Secretary of War, Grant was elected as the 18th President of the United States. During his presidency, he championed civil rights by signing a bill that established the Justice Department and worked with the Radical Republicans to protect African Americans during the Reconstruction era. This captivating biography delves into Grant's life, exploring his leadership qualities, military strategies, and his crucial role in shaping the course of American history.

Faced with failing health and financial ruin, the Civil War's greatest general and former president wrote his personal memoirs to secure his family's future - and won himself a unique place in American letters. Devoted almost entirely to his life as a soldier, Grant's Memoirs traces the trajectory of his extraordinary career - from West Point cadet to general-in-chief of all Union armies. For their directness and clarity, his writings on war are without rival in American literature, and his autobiography deserves a place among the very best in the genre.

A biography of the man elected eighteenth president of the United States, discussing his personal life, education, and political career.

From the two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, bestselling historian, and author of Our First Civil War—a masterful biography of the Civil War general and two-term president who saved the Union twice, on the battlefield and in the White House. • “[A] splendidly written biography ... Brands does justice to one of America’s most underrated presidents.” —Dallas Morning News Ulysses Grant emerges in this masterful biography as a genius in battle and a driven president to a divided country, who remained fearlessly on the side of right. He was a beloved commander in the field who made the sacrifices necessary to win the war, even in the face of criticism. He worked valiantly to protect the rights of freed men in the South. He allowed the American Indians to shape their own fate even as the realities of Manifest Destiny meant the end of their way of life. In this sweeping and majestic narrative, bestselling author H.W. Brands now reconsiders Grant's legacy and provides an intimate portrait of a heroic man who saved the Union on the battlefield and consolidated that victory as a resolute and principled political leader. Look for H.W. Brands's other biographies: THE FIRST AMERICAN (Benjamin Franklin), ANDREW JACKSON, TRAITOR TO HIS CLASS (Franklin Roosevelt) and REAGAN.