A General Who Will Fight: The Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant

In the introduction, Laver defines analytical determination as a common denominator among most successful military leaders and describes two schools of thought used to conclude whether Grant displayed analytical determination or sheer stubbornness. In his first battle, Grant moved against the Confederate outpost at Belmont, Kentucky, and while he racked up a victory, he displayed little authority or understanding of the broader strategic objectives of the fight.

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He was already displaying a strong tenacity, but as he continued to lead armies into battle, he also demonstrated his ability to learn from his mistakes. With his promotion to major general, Grant assumed leadership of the command of the Western armies and demonstrated a keen understanding of the operational situation of the armies.

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His display of mature leadership and ability to adapt his strategy to the constantly changing conditions both on and off the battlefield provide evidence of his analytical determination. In , Grant was promoted to lieutenant general, a rank that had not been used since George Washington, and assumed the command of all Union forces. A General Who Will Fight does fulfill the objective of proving to the reader that Grant exhibited an ability to learn and mature as a military strategist and leader.

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He argues that the key to Grant's leadership is to be found in the concept of "analytical determination.

Laver declares that the great captain "will have the determination to exercise self-control and control of his command, overcome the voices of self-doubt that rise in moments of crisis, and then make the necessary adjustments to accomplish the mission. These observations should come as no surprise to students of Grant's generalship.

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Scholars have remarked upon his uncommon common sense, [End Page ] his ability to assess situations quickly and respond to circumstances, and his coolness under pressure. Simply giving those characteristics a new label does not advance the argument much.



The problem, indeed, may well lie elsewhere. Sherman once observed, "To me he is a mystery, and I believe he is a mystery to himself. It may well reside in one's tendency to dismiss simpler and straightforward explanations as somehow unsatisfying. That we sometimes find Grant a mystery may tell us more about us than about Grant.

Ulysses S. Grant and the American Civil War

Moreover, Laver avoids altogether the obvious question: Where was it evident when it came to business or politics? After all, if Grant was an extraordinary leader, how can one bring together his experiences as general and as president?

Grant Vs Lee Who Was The Better General?

Laver prefers to confine himself to Grant the general. While it may be unfair to ask an author to reflect on a subject he chose not to examine, Laver's failure to explore Grant's later careers limits the usefulness of an insight that most historians and biographers have already observed and described. Laver offers a rather familiar account of Grant's early life, pre-Civil War military career, and rise to high command.

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The signposts are familiar: Laver has little to say about Grant's growing political awareness or his skill at civil-military relationships, although each made essential contributions to his success as a commander. Instead, as the narrative flows forward to Vicksburg and Chattanooga, one will find much that is familiar, and much more that is uncritical.

Rosecrans, or George H.