History Archives

Ulysses S. Grant: General of the Union in the Civil War

What did Ulysses S. Grant accomplish in the military? How did General Ulysses S. Grant lead the Union to victory? In Grant, Ron Chernow writes that Grant’s military career spans from the Mexican American-War of the late 1840s to the pinnacle of the Civil War. He focuses on Grant’s military tenure in the Civil War specifically, discussing how Southern secession spurred his return to the service and how he protected ex-slaves. Learn more about the career of Ulysses S. Grant, general during the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War: A Strategic Leader

What was it like to follow Ulysses S. Grant in the Civil War? What kind of leader was Grant? In 1862, Grant was promoted to Major General of Volunteers, making him the second-highest general in the Western Theater. Contrary to Grant’s critics, author Ron Chernow argues that Grant was a cunning strategist and leader in the Civil War, both on and off the battlefield. We’ll focus on two key examples of Grant’s leadership in the Civil War: the Vicksburg campaign and his post-victory treatment of Confederates.

Ulysses S. Grant on Slavery: Was He Opposed to It?

What was Ulysses S. Grant’s stance on slavery? Was he in full support of abolitionism? Ulysses S. Grant was the General of the Union Armies during the Civil War, fighting to preserve the United States as a constitutional union. Despite having a personal opposition to slavery, Grant wasn’t fully committed to the idea of abolitionism. Read more about Ulysses S. Grant on slavery below.

The 10 Best Historical Films to Transport You Through Time

What can you learn about history from watching movies? Are there any historical films that aren’t war movies? Movies have the incredible power to transport us to different eras—unveiling the pages of history and breathing life into remarkable stories. From epic battles to iconic figures, the best historical films have captivated audiences for decades. So, grab your popcorn and settle in as we delve into the captivating world of historical cinema.

The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson: Book Overview

What if you apply network theory to history? How do societal hierarchies impact war and peace? Historians typically focus on the history of governments and other institutions that are organized as formal hierarchies. The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson shows that other types of networks also affect society. He sets out to show how such alternate networks have affected the world. Continue reading for an overview of this book that helps us see the past in a new way.

Ulysses S. Grant: Civil Rights Activist Post-Civil War

Was Ulysses S. Grant a civil rights activist? How did Grant help Black citizens during his presidency? For Ulysses S. Grant, civil rights was an important issue that needed to be protected after the Civil War. In his book Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s work as president was essential for safeguarding Black citizens’ civil rights and helping them transition out of slavery. Below we’ll focus on three key instances of Grant encouraging civil rights.

Hierarchical Network Model in Society: 3 Truths About Hierarchies

What, exactly, is a hierarchy? What does a hierarchical network look like in society? Historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory to his analysis of world history. In doing so, he makes three key observations: Hierarchies are necessary to maintain social order, additional networks tend to undermine hierarchies, and hierarchies can deal with only a limited amount of complexity. Continue reading to see how Ferguson applies the hierarchical network model to society.

What Did Ulysses S. Grant Do as President of the US?

What did Ulysses S. Grant do as president of the United States? Was he considered a good president? In 1868, as the Republican nominee, Grant defeated incumbent Andrew Johnson to become the 18th President. In Grant, Ron Chernow analyzes Grant’s legacy of Reconstruction—the era lasting from the Civil War’s end until 1877—which saw him attempt to defend civil rights for Black Americans while reconciling with the South. Let’s take a look at what Ulysses S. Grant accomplished (or failed to accomplish) as president.

Seeing World Hierarchies Through the Lens of Network Theory

What role does hierarchy play in keeping the peace? What impact do totalitarian hierarchies have on people? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory—the study of how people and other entities connect with each other—to the study of world history to reveal, among other truths, whether government hierarchies are truly necessary. Read more to understand world hierarchies through this lens.

Ulysses S. Grant: Reconstruction After the Civil War

What did Ulysses S. Grant do during the Reconstruction Era? How did he try to reconcile the North and the South of the United States? In Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s presidency was marked by attempts at international and domestic conciliation. However, these attempts weren’t always successful. Let’s look at Ulysses S. Grant’s reconstruction attempts.