Ulysses Grant

Born in 1822, Grant was the son of a strict father who believed in the need for education. Though Grant had no personal ambitions toward a military life, his father applied to West Point in Grant's name. Grant said that he didn't mind attending West Point but was afraid that he might fail. Despite the fear, he easily passed the entrance exam and gained admittance. Grant admitted that he didn't apply himself to his studies as he should have. Instead, he spent a great deal of time reading novels. Grant said that he had no intention of making a military career for himself. He planned to finish his studies at West Point, do a short stint in the military, then apply as a teacher back at West Point. However, he was soon caught up in the Mexican War and spent years in the military. When he left the...