Ulysses Grant and McClellan were the most prominent people during the Civil War. They are remembered for their good plans and determination during the War. Grant was given the command of all the United States armies as he was very aggressive and a determined leader. George McClellan was a graduate from the military academy of the United States. It was in 1857 when he resigned his job to join a business, which mainly was for expanding the railroads. His outstanding abilities in his previous job were still being recognized. His reputation as a commander of the Ohio troops made President Lincoln to appoint him as the commander of the Potomac Army (Turner 209). Grant and McClellan are remembered for forming a strong Union Army during the Civil War.
McClellan immediately started reorganizing the army so that it could be a reliable fighting force. Many people including the president had much hope in McClellan. They were hopeful that he would lead the army into winning battle (Bonekemper 25). The combination of him and Pinkerton proved to be a strong army that was able to outmaneuver any enemies that came their way. McClellan wrote a request letter to the president of campaigns outlining how he would win the war. He formed a movement that went around the country in searching for better techniques (Bonekemper 26). However, some factors undermined his work and did not perform as people had expected. He did not utilize the materials that were available to him; instead, he asked for more complicated resources that were unrealistic to obtain at that moment. McClellan’s behavior of craving authority and disdaining his superiors made him have fear in the sense that he used to fight in a cowardly manner.
Grant was given a command of the other armies during the Civil War. The primary aim of Grant was reconstruction and to reconcile the north and the south. He had obtained experience as he was involved in the Mexican War and this was an added advantage to him. He proved to be focused as his thoughts were on how he would be able to defeat the enemy who had superior weapons. Although his enemies were more qualified than him, this did not discourage him from attaining what he had targeted. When some of the Democrats waged a campaign to take control of Mississippi, Grant did not send his troops because he wanted to mark the end of the support to the federal for reconstruction in the south.
In the 1862 campaigns, Grant did everything to ensure that he had got at Vicksburg (Pbs.org). He sent the troops to attack the Confederate, but the attack failed. Early in the next year, he hacked one of the tunnels so that he may attack Vicksburg from the north. On the other hand, it is evidence that McClellan used tactful means in attacking his enemies (Pbs.org). For example, when President Lincoln proposed a campaign towards Richmond, McClellan suggested an amphibious maneuver. The Union Army was to land in Virginia and effectively circumvents General Joseph E. Johnston, who was one of the Confederate armies.
In conclusion, the leadership of both the leaders was highly enhanced by their talents and leadership experiences. Despite the challenges that they underwent, it is clear that they did not lose their focus on what they had targeted. They have been associated with more achievements during that period but on the other hand, each also had some limitations that contributed to the loss of some battles.
Works Cited
Bonekemper, Edward H. Mcclellan and Failure: A Study of Civil War Fear, Incompetence, and
Worse. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland & Co, 2007. Print.
Pbs.org. Grants greatest battles. N.p. Web. 24 March 2016.
Turner, Thomas R. 101 Things You Didn't Know About the Civil War: Places, Battles, Generals-
Essential Facts About the War That Divided America. Avon, Mass: Adams Media, 2007.
Internet resource.
