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Grant serves as a quartermaster under General Zachary Taylor during the Mexican-American war. During this time, Grant saw combat three times, even though he wasn't supposed to see battle. The Battle of Bunea Vista is one them.
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On April 12, 1861, the first shots of the civil war are fired at Fort Sumter. This gets Grant to re-enlist in the Union Army. Following his re-enlistment, he is given his first regiment, the 21st Illinois Infantry. This gives Grant his first time seeing battle as a actual soldier.
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Grant is appointed to Colonel of the 21st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. 26 days later, Grant gets promoted on June 31st to Brigadier General. This is in part by Illinois Congressman Elihu Washburn. He was a good friend of Lincolns.
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Brig. Gen. Grant is victorious at the battles of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Luka and Corinth. Following the victory's at Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson, Grant is made a Major-General. These victory's allowed the Union to gain control of lots of the Mississippi River. After the Battles of Iuka and Cornith, he moves on to Vicksburg.
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Maj. Gen. Grant accepts Confederate Gen. Pembertons surrender of Vicksburg. To warren this, Grant had to start a siege of Vicksburg. By doing so, he cut the supplies for Confederate troops and forced them into a surrender.
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Grant is appointed Lieutenant General by Abraham Lincoln. Alongside this new promotion is the appointment to Commander of all Union forces. Grant is the General Lincoln has needed throughout the war, one who isn't afraid to take risks, and listens to directions. Plus, he gets things done.
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Lt. Gen. Grant captures Petersburg and Richmond. Six days later Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders. Grants terms of surrender were simple and generous. He wanted the Confederates to leave in peace by leaving their guns behind. Grant also gave them 3 days rations and let them keep there horses.
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Grant is nominated for president for the Republican Party. November 3, 1865, Grant becomes President of the United States of America. Grant's campaign slogan was, "Let us have peace". He was inaugurated on March 4th, 1869.
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President Grant signs the 15th Amendment. This amendment was supposed to give black males the ability to vote. Grant signed this to make blacks and whites more equal. Sadly though, the amendment wouldn't fully be put into effect till 1965
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Grant signs legislation making Yellow stone a national park. Yellow stone became the first national park in the U.S. This was done to preserve the beauty of the area. It was also made a national park because they wanted the area to be enjoyed in its natural state for generations to come.
