Source Revision: Grants Leadership Flashcards
Historians
- McPherson, the capture of Vicksburg was one of the most important strategic victories in the whole war.
- Williams, Grant was a great battle captain but needed the support of Lincoln and Sherman for ultimate success.
Unconditional
Had a relentless style of battle - looking for unconditional victories. Named “Unconditional Surrender Grant”.
Offensive strategy
Grant was known for his aggressive and offensive strategies which made him a strong leader eg. Corinth 1862 or Petersburg 1865
Early Success
Grant had many early successes like Vicksburg where he proved his strength compared to others.
Resources
Grant was only seen as good as he could exploit the vast resources and manpower of the union. If he didn’t have that his reckless attacks would not have worked as well.
Aims
Aimed to destroy south’s will to continue the war, playing long game for victory.
Total War
Developed total war strategy, which was when military leaders were willing to make any sacrifice to lives or civilian life to win.
Headstrong
Refusal to retreat to turning battles like cold harbour and The wilderness led to more casualties and losses than necessary.
Shiloh
Almost sunk Union cause due to his sloppy defences
Human Life
Reckless tactics left the cost of human life too high in his strategy.
Personal Weakness
Alleged drunkenness may have made him weaker in decisions and meetings due to sobriety issues.
All of them
- Unconditional
- Offensive Strategy
- Early Success
- Resources
- Aims
- Total War
- Headstrong
- Shiloh
- Human Life
- Personal Weakness
