Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Question
How does Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant develop the theme of National Union and Constitutional Crisis?
Answer
Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant develops National Union and Constitutional Crisis across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Grant argues that the Constitution was not designed for rebellion, justifying extraordinary wartime measures to preserve the Union, and reflects on the necessity of a strong central government.
Grant analyzes the constitutional arguments around secession, the failure of the framers to anticipate such a crisis, and the inherent right of revolution versus the illegality of secession.
The chapter opens with the secession crisis and Lincoln's oath to maintain the Union, highlighting the constitutional struggle as states secede and Fort Sumter is attacked.
The campaign against Fort Henry is framed as a crucial step in preserving the Union by breaking the Confederate defensive line and opening the Tennessee River to Union forces.
Evidence in the book
- Resignation—Private Life—Life at Galena—The Coming Crisis
Grant analyzes the constitutional arguments around secession, the failure of the framers to anticipate such a crisis, and the inherent right of revolution versus the illegality of secession.
- Outbreak of the Rebellion — Presiding at a Union Meeting — Mustering Officer of State Troops — Lyon at Camp Jackson — Services Tendered to the Government
The chapter opens with the secession crisis and Lincoln's oath to maintain the Union, highlighting the constitutional struggle as states secede and Fort Sumter is attacked.
- General Halleck in Command—Commanding the District of Cairo—Movement on Fort Henry—Capture of Fort Henry
The campaign against Fort Henry is framed as a crucial step in preserving the Union by breaking the Confederate defensive line and opening the Tennessee River to Union forces.
- Halleck Assumes Command in the Field—The Advance Upon Corinth—Occupation of Corinth—The Army Separated
The campaign for Corinth and the subsequent dispersal of Union forces highlight the strategic challenges of preserving the Union by controlling key transportation hubs and dividing the Confederacy.
- Chapter XXVII
The chapter highlights the challenges of occupying Confederate territory, including dealing with Confederate laws confiscating debts and the need to maintain Union authority.
- XXVIII
Grant discusses the broader strategic importance of holding West Tennessee to prevent the Ohio River from becoming the dividing line.
- Van Dorn's Movements — Battle of Corinth — Command of the Department of the Tennessee
The chapter describes the Union's strategic struggle to hold territory and suppress the rebellion, with Grant noting the hostility of the local population and the difficulty of operating in enemy country.
- Movement Against Jackson—Fall of Jackson—Intercepting the Enemy—Battle of Champion's Hill
The campaign to capture Vicksburg and Jackson is part of the broader effort to preserve the Union and suppress the rebellion.
