Who Is Lee And Grant?

The names

Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee

are connected through their Civil War bond and the historic surrender, 151 years ago today, at Appomattox Court House. But how much did Lee and Grant have in common? Both were noted military commanders and graduates of West Point.

Who was greater Grant or Lee?

Grant was a rough and tumble tanner from

Ohio. Robert E. Lee was a patriarchic southern aristocrat. Lee is considered the better commander. He scored huge victories up until Gettysburg in 1863, while fighting against bigger and better supplied troops.

How is Grant like Lee?

The biggest similarity is that they were

both great civil war generals

. They had a great deal of passion for what they were fighting for. They both wanted to preserve the Union but it was inevitable that the North and South would soon engage in war. General Lee and General Grant both fought in the Mexican War.

Was Lee Grant and general friends?

General Grant, following orders of President Lincoln, put a stop to the idea. The

two friends

would finally meet again following the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. It was Longstreet, according to various accounts, who persuaded Lee that Grant would offer generous terms there.

Did Grant ever face Lee?

Crossing the Rapidan River on May 4, 1864, Grant sought to

defeat Lee’s army

by quickly placing his forces between Lee and Richmond and inviting an open battle. Lee surprised Grant by attacking the larger Union army aggressively in the Battle of the Wilderness (May 5–7), resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Did Grant ever fight Lee?

From the Wilderness, to Spotsylvania, to Cold Harbor, Lee’s army consistently held its own against the massive fighting machine. It was not until Grant’s army managed to cross the James River east of Richmond and begin the

siege of Petersburg

in mid-June that Lee realized that time was against him.

How were Lee and Grant difference?

In terms of military tactics, both men were

bold, decisive leaders

. Lee is generally more praised for his tactical approach to particular battles, especially Chancellorsville, while Grant tended to be a more methodical leader, relentlessly putting pressure on the Confederate armies in order to exploit the numerical and …

What was the most striking contrast between Grant and Lee?

According to Catton, the most prominent difference between Grant and Lee was

that while Lee fought to prevent change, Grant fought for growth and expansion.

What advantage did Grant have over Lee?

For General Grant, there were plenty of soldiers, and

food was abundant

. As the soldiers began to sense the war was almost over, their morale was high. General Grant had every advantage over General Lee at Richmond.

What Grant said about Lee?

Grant wrote, “

I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly

, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse.”

Did US Grant attend West Point?

In 1839, seventeen-year-old Hiram Ulysses Grant

received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point

. It changed the course of his life—and his name. Grant always disliked his first name and was commonly known by his middle name.

What side was Robert E Lee on?

Robert E. Lee was a

Confederate

general who led the South’s attempt at secession during the Civil War. He challenged Union forces during the war’s bloodiest battles, including Antietam and Gettysburg, before surrendering to Union General Ulysses S.

Who is the best general in history?

Napoleon Bonaparte

After 43 battles, he has a WAR score of more than 16, which blows the competition away. There can be no question: Napoleon is the greatest tactical general of all time, and the math proves it.

Why did Lee have to go see Grant?

The Confederate Army’s retreat moved southwest along the Richmond & Danville Railroad. Lee desperately sought a train loaded with supplies for his troops but encountered none. Grant, realizing that

Lee’s army was running out of options

, sent a letter to Lee on April 7 requesting the Confederate general’s surrender.

Why did General Lee surrender?

Fact #4: Lee decided to surrender his army in part

because he wanted to prevent unnecessary destruction to the South

. When it became clear to the Confederates that they were stretched too thinly to break through the Union lines, Lee observed that “there is nothing left me to do but to go and see Gen.

Who was president before Grant?