Winfield Scott Essay

In the book “Presidential Courage” by Michael Beschloss, the author makes a few interesting depth details of the hardships and tasks faced by the sixteenth president of the United States of America Abraham Lincoln in chapter fifteen. The chapter starts out by giving a premise on one of Lincoln’s appointed commanders George McClellan.

Corporal Angelo Crapsey of Roulette, Pennsylvania, a young man who decided to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War was considered to be a "lively and cheerful” (Bateson 1) young man by his friends, but the war changed him and he home a much darker man. He wanted to fight for his country and keep the country together when the south decided to fire on Fort Sumter he decided to enlist. He fought and survived the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg and even survived dysentery which is a dieses that is common when proper toilets are not available. Corporal Crapsey and his unit arrived too late to fight in the Battle of Cedar Mountain in Virginia, so he was assigned to clean up duty, to help burry the bodies of the fallen in battle that day.

General George Patton, also known as “Blood and Guts”, was and is known as one of the best there was. “Patton was a highly effective pioneer, advocate, and exponent of modern mechanized warfare as well as doctrine of highly mobile offensive.” (Axelrod, 2006) The soldiers that served under Patton in the Third and Seventh Army’s knew him as a soldier’s leader and took his death very hard. They considered Patton one of the greatest men that ever lived. Patton professed to be a Christian and was certain that “God destined him to military greatness.” (Axelrod, 2006) Patton was an incredible leader to the third and seventh armies, yet he was continuously threatened with being removed from command. He suffered from dyslexia, deep depression, and episodes of hysteria which made his confidence levels close to zero. Yet he led armies under him into victories that exuded confidence. There were mothers that were terrified of Patton’s tactics with their sons, but Dwight D. Eisenhower was sure that those same tactics used by Patton would save those soldier’s lives. Patton was a strong leader that led by example. He fought with his soldiers and was on the front line right beside them. When he spoke, he may have been feared, but he was also respected. He was a man of his word. He put soldiers in place that he knew would get the job done. He made sure his soldiers were always on guard and ready to fire at all times when it was pertinent. He pushed himself and his army to stay

In conclusion, a person with good leadership, encouragement, and a lot of perseverance helps soldiers and others achieve many goals. Washington is the perfect man to become a leader of the Continental Army because of his personality. Also, something little could make a big impact on someone’s life, such as the wounded soldier. Further, endurance keeps everyone on the right track and it makes the problem seem easier for every person fighting in the war. Because of the little victories, the war is

The name Civil War is misleading because the war was not a class struggle, but a sectional combat, having its roots in political, economic, social, and psychological elements. It has been characterized, in the words of William H. Seward, as the “irrepressible conflict.” In another judgment the Civil War was viewed as criminally stupid, an unnecessary bloodletting brought on by arrogant extremists and blundering politicians. Both views accept the fact that in 1861 there existed a situation that, rightly or wrongly, had come to be regarded as insoluble by peaceful means.

American General, George Patton was a very colorful one too.He a really outgoing behavior and was nicknamed “Old Blood and guts”.

Lee and Grant would both serve under General Winfield Scott, a man whom they both admired, during his campaign to Mexico City. General Scott saw greatness in Lee and stated his “…success in Mexico was largely due to the skill, valor, and undaunted energy of Robert E. Lee.”15 Scott was also heard commenting a few years later that; “Lee is the greatest military genius in America.”16 Grant, only a first lieutenant, did not get an opportunity to show much leadership. Grant did however serve with valor. At the Battle of Monterey, Grant would gain some respect among his peers by successfully carrying much needed ammunition to his regiment while under fire.17 During the Civil War, Lee and Grant would implement skills learned while under the command of General Winfield Scott.

The civil war, reconstruction, and Redemption era does serve as a unique moment in American history because it shaped what kind of nation US would become. All wars are the result of social change, talks of revolution, institution of slavery and connection to power and liberation. There are many reasons that attribute to the institution of slavery becoming a big determinant in the Civil War and in American History. A consistent reason is that the states have always been dependent upon themselves and relying on their own kind to create a sense of power. The institution of slavery gave white men a sense of power in which was stripped away from them by the government. They no longer could control and have an opinion in state nor federal government decisions. Throughout all these eras of history the enslaves Africans were never seen as equal, therefore were never treated as equal. They were always seen as the black labor workers. The focus point of this paper will be the institution of slavery. After the civil war and reconstruction, America changed drastically in defining slavery and what would become of the institution.

Popularly known as 'Old Fuss and Feathers' for his notorious vanity, egoism and love of military pomp and ceremony, General Winfield Scott was one of the ablest soldiers in the United States between George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant, although he is far less well-remembered at written about than either one. He was not a graduate of West Pint but a lawyer in Virginia who was directly commissioned as a captain in 1808 and served from 1814 until his death in 1866 as a general. By the beginning of the Civil War in 1861, when he supported the Union side and devised a strategy to defeat the South, he was general-in-chief. Like other famous generals of his generation, including Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, he also sought the presidency, but his 1852 campaign was a disaster. As a supporter of the Federalist and later the Whig Parties, he was politically out of favor with almost all the presidents he served, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk. He opposed their expansionist policies as well, as did most members of his party, and was privately critical of most of the wars he fought.

George S. Patton was one of the most highly regarded and successful military leaders in the history of the United States. His military career spanned from the expedition into Mexico throughout WWII. His ability to inspire his troops with his profane filled speeches and his position of always leading from the front gained him vast popularity and fame. Many political leaders considered him too controversial and intemperate at times. This reputation often overshadowed his determination and success as a commander. His bravery and many contributions to several of America’s war efforts has established him as one of the greats in American military history.

Living in close proximity to Gettysburg, I have spent many weekends of my childhood hiking through the numerous acres of woods on Culp’s Hill, climbing the gigantic boulders in Devil’s Den, and tramping through the marshes of Plum Run. Enjoying the scenic beauty is just the beginning as to what Gettysburg has to offer. However, why is Gettysburg so important to us all as Americans? What made this small town so famous that tens of thousands of tourists from all over the globe come to walk through the many wheat fields in the surrounding countryside? While wandering those same fields that Union and Confederate soldiers fought on some one hundred and forty years ago, I asked myself why this place was so significant.

When Lincoln interacted with Scott, he showed a deference for Scott’s age and knowledge. Thus allowing Scott to share his skills, this humility was shored by General McClellan. Lincoln later changes his approach towards McClellan, trying to boost his confidence and courage. Williams continually shows McClellan as an egotist, who eventually replaced Scott as General in chief. McClellan is depicted as unsure, indecisive, self-centered and fearful of declaring war. Lincoln continually defends McClellan but is not afraid of tactfully sending criticism his way. One could easily be lead to believe that Lincoln was more of a placator. Williams shows us that Lincoln never hesitated in making difficult decisions based on results. Lincoln’s people skills are easily ascertained in Williams writings. Lincoln seems keen at applying pressure as well as giving his generals a free hand when necessary.

Winfield Scott Hancock, named after General Winfield Scott, has the talent of making himself “indispensable in any assignment he is given...” (Pg. 5) Due to this talent, he is the best suited to take the role of Quartermaster. After various locations, he is transferred to California, where his story begins. Like Lee, he feels he belongs on the battlefield, and not in an office. Hancock visits General McClellan and is told, “We need leaders, Mr. Hancock. I believe that includes you.” (Pg. 160) And so, his duty is now assigned.

GEN McClellan may not have been a great war time General but he excelled at training Soldiers, getting his men ready to fight and raising the morale of the Armies he

     George S. Patton (1885 - 1945) was ideally suited to command an army. "He was bold