Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th president of the United States. He served as the highest Union commander during the Civil War.

In his youth he went to West Point where he had lackluster performance, then served in the army. He left the army before the Civil War and tried to make money, but failed and became an alcoholic. Recalled to service during the war, he made a name for himself in the West, conquering Vicksburg and giving the Union control of the Mississippi River. Moving east, he brought a war of attrition to the Confederacy and ended the war within two years.

As a president he allowed corruption.