justinpotts.com – “Grant and His Generals” by Edward H. Bonekemper III is an insightful and meticulously researched examination of Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership during the American Civil War, with a particular focus on his interactions and relationships with the key Union generals under his command. This biography explores the military strategies, decisions, and personalities that shaped the Union’s victory and helped establish Grant as one of the greatest military leaders in American history. By delving into Grant’s relationships with his generals, Bonekemper highlights the complexities of war leadership, the challenges of military coordination, and the central role that Grant’s leadership played in the eventual defeat of the Confederacy.
In this article, we will explore the major themes of Bonekemper’s “Grant and His Generals”, discussing the impact of Grant’s leadership style, his military strategies, and the critical decisions that guided the Union Army. We will also delve into the relationships between Grant and his generals, highlighting the individual roles of notable figures such as William T. Sherman, Philip Sheridan, George H. Thomas, and James B. McPherson, and the ways in which their coordination with Grant led to significant victories.
Introduction: Ulysses S. Grant’s Leadership Style
One of the central themes of Bonekemper’s book is the focus on Ulysses S. Grant’s leadership. As the commanding general of the Union Army from 1864 to 1865, Grant’s approach to leadership differed significantly from that of his predecessors. Bonekemper argues that Grant’s success was due not only to his military acumen but also to his ability to effectively manage and collaborate with his generals, create a cohesive strategy, and maintain focus on the ultimate goal of Union victory. Grant was, in many ways, an unconventional leader. He was not a flamboyant figure like George McClellan or a politically savvy officer like Winfield Scott, but he was pragmatic, persistent, and driven by a fierce determination to defeat the Confederacy.
Grant’s leadership style can be characterized as decisive and unwavering, particularly in the face of significant setbacks. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Grant did not allow minor defeats to derail his overall strategy. His willingness to keep pushing forward, regardless of the challenges, is a key focus in Bonekemper’s narrative. This quality was crucial, especially during difficult periods in the war when morale was low, and military setbacks seemed insurmountable. Grant understood that in a long and brutal war, the side that could endure and outlast the other would ultimately emerge victorious.
Additionally, Grant’s ability to delegate authority to his subordinates—his generals—was one of his greatest strengths. Bonekemper emphasizes that Grant was not a micromanager. He trusted his generals to execute his broad strategic vision, and this delegation helped foster a sense of autonomy and responsibility within his command structure. This approach was in contrast to some of Grant’s predecessors, who struggled to effectively coordinate a unified strategy among multiple generals.
The Role of Grant’s Generals: Key Figures in Union Victory
While Grant was unquestionably the central figure in the Union Army’s victory, his generals played a critical role in executing his strategies and achieving military successes. Bonekemper’s book carefully examines the relationships between Grant and his subordinates, detailing how each general contributed to the broader objectives of the war. The following sections will explore some of the most prominent figures in Grant’s leadership team and their key contributions to the Union war effort.
William T. Sherman: The Architect of Total War
One of the most prominent generals in Grant’s command was William Tecumseh Sherman, whose “March to the Sea” became one of the most famous campaigns of the Civil War. Bonekemper details Sherman’s evolution as a leader, from his early struggles and frustrations in the military to his eventual rise as one of Grant’s most trusted commanders. Sherman and Grant developed a deep friendship and mutual respect that would prove invaluable in the conduct of the war.
Sherman was an advocate of total war, a strategy that aimed not only to defeat Confederate armies but also to break the South’s will to fight by targeting its infrastructure, economy, and civilian population. Grant supported Sherman’s approach, understanding that the Confederacy’s capacity to wage war depended on its resources and logistical lines. Bonekemper highlights Sherman’s successful campaigns in Georgia, particularly the capture of Atlanta and the subsequent March to the Sea, which devastated the South and significantly weakened its ability to continue the fight. Sherman’s victory at Savannah marked a turning point in the war, and Grant’s support for Sherman’s tactics played a pivotal role in the overall Union strategy.
Sherman’s success under Grant’s leadership was also a testament to Grant’s ability to empower his generals. Bonekemper notes that Sherman thrived under Grant’s command, as Grant allowed him the freedom to execute his own strategy, trusting his judgment and allowing him to operate with a sense of autonomy that was vital to his success.
Philip Sheridan: The Cavalry Commander Who Defeated the Confederacy
Another key general in Grant’s circle was Philip H. Sheridan, known for his leadership of the Union cavalry and his aggressive campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley. Sheridan’s cavalry was instrumental in disrupting Confederate supply lines, preventing the South from using the Valley as a route for resources and reinforcements.
Bonekemper emphasizes Sheridan’s role in the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864, a victory that effectively destroyed the Confederate Army in the Shenandoah Valley. Sheridan’s ability to rally his forces after an initial setback and ultimately win the battle exemplified his leadership and determination. Under Grant’s command, Sheridan was able to push Confederate forces out of the Valley, ensuring that it remained under Union control.
Sheridan’s military success was further cemented in the Overland Campaign, where his cavalry played a crucial role in disrupting Confederate movements and supporting Grant’s overall strategy. Bonekemper argues that Sheridan’s success was due to his understanding of Grant’s vision and his ability to coordinate effectively with other Union forces. Sheridan, like Sherman, thrived under Grant’s leadership because of Grant’s willingness to delegate authority and allow his generals the freedom to execute their strategies.
George H. Thomas: The Rock of Chickamauga
George H. Thomas, often referred to as the “Rock of Chickamauga”, was another crucial general in Grant’s command. Bonekemper devotes significant attention to Thomas’s role in the Western Theater, particularly in the Battle of Chickamauga (1863), where Thomas’s steadfast defense helped secure a Union retreat and ultimately led to a critical victory at Chattanooga. Though Thomas faced criticism at times for his cautiousness, Bonekemper emphasizes Thomas’s consistency, reliability, and ability to execute Grant’s overall strategic vision.
Thomas’s leadership during the Tennessee Campaign in 1864 was instrumental in securing Union victories at battles such as Nashville, where his forces decisively defeated the Confederate Army under John Bell Hood. This victory helped to ensure the security of the Western Theater and further crippled the Confederacy’s ability to wage war.
Thomas’s ability to coordinate his forces with those of other Union commanders, especially Sherman and Sheridan, was another key factor in his success. Bonekemper stresses that Thomas’s military career is a prime example of Grant’s ability to recognize the strengths of his subordinates and place them in positions where they could thrive.
James B. McPherson: A Promising Leader Cut Short
One of the tragic stories in Bonekemper’s biography is the career of James B. McPherson, the Union’s highest-ranking officer killed in battle. McPherson was a talented and promising leader, and Bonekemper examines his role in the Union Army, particularly during the Vicksburg Campaign and the Overland Campaign.
McPherson’s contributions were particularly evident in his role as the chief of staff to Grant during the Overland Campaign. Bonekemper notes McPherson’s remarkable ability to coordinate between various Union forces and ensure that Grant’s vision was carried out effectively. McPherson’s leadership qualities were widely admired, and his tragic death at the Battle of Atlanta in 1864 was a significant blow to the Union Army. His loss underscored the personal sacrifices that were made by Union officers, many of whom would never see the fruits of their labor after the war.
Grant’s Strategic Vision: Total War and Unified Command
Bonekemper’s biography of “Grant and His Generals” emphasizes Grant’s unique strategic vision, which centered around the idea of total war and the necessity of coordination among Union generals. Grant understood that to win the war, the Union Army needed to strike at every level of Confederate strength, whether it was military, economic, or moral. This approach required the active participation of all of his generals, as each man played a crucial role in achieving victory.
Grant’s leadership, as Bonekemper argues, was marked by his insistence on coordinated military action across multiple theaters of war. He did not rely on one general or one army to win the war but sought a collective effort that would ultimately cripple the Confederate forces. This holistic strategy, combining Sherman’s total war tactics, Sheridan’s cavalry operations, and Thomas’s solid defensive strategy, proved to be the key to Union success.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Grant and His Generals
In “Grant and His Generals”, Edward H. Bonekemper III provides a compelling and thorough examination of the men who helped secure Union victory during the Civil War. By focusing on Grant’s relationships with his generals, Bonekemper paints a rich picture of the leadership dynamics that drove the war effort. Through their cooperation, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to the Union cause, these men—Sherman, Sheridan, Thomas, and McPherson—played pivotal roles in the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy.
Grant’s success as a military leader was not due to any one individual but to his ability to bring together a team of capable and dynamic commanders who shared a common vision of Union victory. Bonekemper’s biography is an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Grant’s leadership and the broader strategies that shaped the course of the American Civil War.