Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Conclusion explained
Grant reflects on the causes of the Civil War, attributing it to slavery and the political struggles over its expansion.
What happens
Grant reflects on the causes of the Civil War, attributing it to slavery and the political struggles over its expansion. He discusses the war's impact on national unity, the role of European powers, and the need for military preparedness to maintain peace. He also notes the postwar reconciliation with former Confederates.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Grant’s severe sick headache—a physical manifestation of immense psychological strain—reaches its peak just as…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Slavery and Racial Justice
Grant identifies slavery as the cause of the war and discusses the political and social conflicts it generated.
- National Union and Constitutional Crisis
The war is framed as a test of republican institutions and national unity against secession and European threats.
- Reconciliation and Magnanimity
Grant notes with gratification that Confederates joined in postwar reconciliation efforts.
- The Horrors and Cost of War
Grant calls the war a 'fearful lesson' and emphasizes the need to avoid future conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Author and narrator; reflects on the war's causes, his command, and postwar events.
- Abraham Lincoln
Mentioned in context of discussions about European intervention in Mexico.
- Edwin M. Stanton
Mentioned as Secretary of War in discussions about Mexico.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Sent by Grant to the Rio Grande after Lee's surrender to aid Juarez against the French.
- Robert E. Lee
His surrender at Appomattox is referenced as the end of the war.
Key passages
“The cause of the great War of the Rebellion against the United Status will have to be attributed to slavery.”
Grant states that slavery was the fundamental cause of the Civil War.
Opening assertion of the chapter.
“It is probably well that we had the war when we did. We are better off now than we would have been without it, and have made more rapid progress than we otherwise should have made.”
Grant suggests the war, though costly, ultimately benefited the nation by accelerating progress.
Reflection on the war's positive outcomes.
“Now it has shown itself capable of dealing with one of the greatest wars that was ever made, and our people have proven themselves to be the most formidable in war of any nationality.”
The war demonstrated the strength of American republican institutions and the military prowess of its people.
Assessment of national character after the war.
“To maintain peace in the future it is necessary to be prepared for war.”
Grant argues that military readiness is essential for preserving peace.
Final lesson on national security.
