Since I've had to repond to DOZENS of people claiming that this is a 5 star rank. It is NOT. General of the Army was created in 1944 (5 stars) and given to Marshall, MacArthur, Ike, Arnold, and later Bradley. There was talk of elevanting Marshall to General of the ARMIES of the United States (the rank I'm discussing here) but he refused it while Pershing (who held that rank) was still alive, believing only one man at a time could have it. It is NOT 5 star, it's above that.
Unlike those dozens of people, I knew you were right about this (though I didn't know about either Washington or Grant's posthumous promotions), but as I listened, I wondered why you didn't distinguish between General of the Army and General of the Armies. That would have probably avoided (most of) the confusion. I think it is also interesting to note (if I remember this correctly) that in his lifetime Washington only wore three stars.
Wouldn't it be that in a way The president would be the General of the armies Not to say that all presidents Ther by is a 6 star General Bur he is the Supreme commander of the armies isn't he The total military might of the US 🇺🇸 I know this is if any nit-picking but I'm just wondering Just saying 🇧🇻
A lot of the People in the higher Ranks don’t deserve to be there. There are so many enlisted Men that have way more smarts than their Commissioned Brethren could only wish for. It’s too bad the Rank System is the way it is, a lot of Medals that People deserved were downgraded or not given at all. I’m not sure if it is possible for an Enlisted to transfer over to the Commissioned side of things, but the experience of some of these guys is wasted by others playing politics and just trying to get that next Rank. Not in the Military myself but have Family that are in.
@@Tijjain I mean, the thing is, Grant could have used the money. HE was almost broke when he died, and had Mark Twain ghostwrite his memoirs just so his family would have enough to live on.
@@epicurius1which is tragic because arguably hes the nail that brought the confederates to their knees, first with the taking of the Mississippi, and then finally with the defeat of the army of Northern Virginia
@@sasquatch7234 admittedly there's a difference between underappreciated and famous. Benedict Arnold was the textbook definition of underappreciated General but in history he is extremely famous... and infamous.
@@robertharris6092 Excellent observation. He was the only General ON the Normandy beaches. Few of us, I say this as a veteran myself, get the recognition and appreciation we deserve.
Except that rank expired when their presidential terms ended. General of the Armies is basically an honorary rank anyway, although Pershing got some pretty awesome benefits when he was promoted to it.
I mean, if you it that way, then President _[insert name of most disliked US President here]_ is also on equal rank to Washington and Grant as Commander in Chief, and I don't think many people would appreciate that.
Honestly I think of it more like a hall of fame for military Generals in the US which right now is a very exclusive Club because pinpoints generals who were instrumental in creating the nation preserving the nation and stepping out onto the world stage as a young nation. It's kind of like how and baseball there is a Hall of Fame even though a lot of players who are in the Hall of Fame have already ate great Lacey outside of it
The problem is that that is just from them being presidents, not from being generals. By that standard, any president is an amazing general. The entire point of giving them this rank is that it officially recognizes them as amazing generals. While legacies in the public mind are one thing, thats nothing official, so in the government's book it doesnt matter.
Ike was like the 6th highest ranking member of the US military in WW2 so I highly doubt that. He was only a theater commander. He was outranked by Marshall, MacArthur, Leahy, King, and Nimitz in WW2
@@VloggingThroughHistory: Who among those people was the highest-ranked? Does this rank imply that the person who has it was, theoretically, in charge of all military operations at the time (but under the President)?
Marshall was the Army Chief of Staff and outranked everyone else. There was a push to make him General of the Armies of the United States during WW2 but he refused to accept it while Pershing was still living (he died in 1948) and it was never pursued after the war.
@@VloggingThroughHistory: This is not really my realm of even minor amateurish familiarity, but I could see Marshall, in that case, eventually getting it. Also, given that the Marshall Plan was a pretty successful and humanitarian effort (I recognize that that was not its own justification, but it nonetheless is a characteristic which it had), I do not think that retrospective feelings about him are sour enough to prevent it, which is helpful.
And thanks to Mark Twain his wife was able to live comfortably after his death. If you haven't read Grant's autobiography it's perhaps the best of it's kind ever written
The fact that he wrote it while dying from throat cancer, finishing it just days before passing away, and then having very little of his draft edited will never not shock me… he was incredible!
It is also valued by Historians as one of the most honest and accurate depictions of the Civil War. Memoirs often are more more apologetics for what went wrong and celebrations for what went right. Grant generally speaking tried very hard to be honest....
Grant was the first three star after Washington. He started out in the Civil War enlisting as a private after being brushed off by McClellan when applying for a commission. He was elected Captain of his Company almost immediately, and quickly rose through the ranks, success coming from almost every operation he was involved in. He was struggling with alcoholism, and Lincoln was pressured to relieve him. Lincoln saw his potential, and responded to one such petitioner, "I can't spare this man. He fights."
about Grant’s enlistment. He was working his father’s store in Galena, IL and as a West Point grad he was given a commission by the governor of Illinois as an advisor and then Colonel in command of the 21st Illinois. I think you’re confusing when he chaired a meeting for militia being raised in the town and they tried to make him a captain but he turned it down as he knew he would at least be made a Colonel (as he had been a Captain in the regular army)
Lincoln was also running into a morale issue with the frequent replacement of Generals. He stuck it out with Grant and it paid dividends. I don’t believe Grant to be an elite General, but he was a very crucial general in American history
It's been great to see the rehabilitation of his legacy. A century and a half of abuse and lies of him being nothing but a butcher, despite the facts proving otherwise, and he finally gets the honor he deserves.
@@Verge63 Kinda weird that you brought up that General Sherman was a Catholic. Are you correlating his laughter to the enemy being a Protestant Reverend? It sounded like you were trying to make a case for Sherman being callous... Also how's that a measure of anything? As a military veteran myself pro tip: If everyday you wake up you know somebody's going to die you develop a morbid sense of humor. I laughed out loud literally when I learned that Confederate Jackson died after being shot by his own men. I recognized their humanity but the Confederate military was a group dedicated to killing United States Army personnel. As a US soldier I struggle to shed tears over their demise.
Well deserved!! Grant deserves so much recognition for all he has done for our country. The man who saved the Union and destroyed the Confederacy is a American hero.
Unfortunately he founded the Justice Department which is used as a cudgel against people who oppose federal overreach He gave the feds one of their earliest and most powerful tools of tyranny. Fuck Grant
@@lilmanbazooka7944 Maybe they think the South could've seceded, and the Union would've been fine, so they see the American Civil War as an unnecessary one, especially considering the bloodshed?
A Chad, what does that even mean? I’m rather certain he was never in Africa, and Chad 🇹🇩 wasn’t even a country back then. I don’t think you realize just how childish you sound when using euphemisms like this when referring to a General and former president. 😂
Grant was a great man. A fair man. A just man. A hero who was looked down upon by his own race but beloved by all others. God save General Grant. Love from India 🇮🇳
*Grant saves the basically saves the Union* “Should we promote him for this.” “No it’s fine.” Over 100 years later “Ok I changed my mind let’s promote him” “…”
Thank you. I recall my Dad mentioning over the years the five-star generals and admirals that America had honored, and pointing out that Gen. Pershing was the only officer designated as, "General of the Armies." In later years, I followed up on this history - and once could name the five generals and four admirals who received that high distinction. I was aware that George Washington had been elevated posthumously: I believe he was elevated from Lieutenant General to the unofficial six-star rank. I also recall that that highest rank actually was five gold stars instead of five silver stars - but again, Gen. Pershing never wore five gold stars. Neither will Generals Washington and Grant - yet they both exceeded such ranking by being elected President and thus serving as Commander-in- Chief. My Dad took interest in such things. He served between World War II and Korea and always had his eye on leadership.
US Grant deserves as great recognition as anyone. He was the right man at the right time in our history. From cadet to quartermaster to general to President. Inspiring !
Did you know that General MacArthur would’ve been promoted to General of the Armies if Operation Downfall was enacted. Also General Pershing wore 4 gold stars to differ from other 4 star generals.
Eisenhower he's my hero, saw him in a parade, I was either in kindergarten or 1st grade ,Boston. Warned us of military industrial complex we see today.
Few American generals have aired less about rank and etiquette than Ulysses S Grant. Most of the time, he wore a private uniform, even when accepting he surrender the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse. Grant's actions speak for themselves. Then again, there is so much that I disagree with in the 2023 military budget, that I am just a nonplussed by this.
I’m a new viewer, enjoying the heck out of your videos. I feel like I’ve found ‘home.’ I just want to tell you, you are a brilliant man. Knowledge is one thing, but how you interpret that knowledge and apply it to real life is the mark of intelligence. I love listening to your take on the things that happened that shaped our world today. I know you’ve done this before, but could you please tell me a brief history about you.
Don't tell that to Trump! He's already made it clear he thinks he was a better President than Washington*, AND Lincoln! It's surprising that he didn't try to commission himself as a General, on his way out the door! Except for he was too busy clawing and scratching to stay... * Washington knew when it was time to leave, so, he was definitely better! (As if it was even a contest!) The only 'contest of presidents' that Trump is in is the "Worst President", though, sadly, he does have some competition for that!
John J. Pershing not only wore 4 stars but his stars were Golden and not silver; that was the only difference among the other Generals. A small detail you forgot to mention.
@@arbiteroffate3601 considering most of the folks online that throw around the term "Leftist" wouldn't be able to differenciate a "Leftist" from a communist from a social democrat from a national socialist, i really don'T care.
@@jacksonfitzsimmons4253 And in turn: "You say somethign I disagree with! YOU A LEFTIST!!! YOu communist think that big companies hsouldn't be allowed to act as they please! And you think, you dare think that Ulysses S. Grant was an able general, and more successfull than Robert E. Lee, you soy boy!!!"
@EpicMRPancake it's considered equivalent to the rank of fleet admiral, so it's at least a 5 star rank. Dewey is the only one to ever reach the rank and he is considered the most senior in naval history. The fleet admiral rank was created in 1944 as the new 5 star rank. Dewey died in 1917 and the rank was created for him in 1899.
According to Wikipedia, Pershing was allowed to have four gold stars 🌟🌟🌟 🌟 , to distinguish himself from other four-star Generals. When the rank of five-star General of the Army in 1944, the language of the legislation stated that Pershing outranked the five-stars (Marshall, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Arnold). When Washington got promoted to General of the Armies, the date of his promotion was retroactively given to him effective in 1976. This would make him, senior in rank, to Pershing.
after WWII in 1945 with 12.5 million active personnel USA had only 11 four star generals. In 2022 US army had 416657 personnel with 45 four star generals.
Grant was villainized and torn down for a ridiculously long time, despite all evidence to the contrary. I'm 22, even in my own history classes 5 or 6 years ago they were still talking about how he was a raging drunkard, he sacrificed his own men with impunity, etc.
The Lost Cause was strong in rewriting history because people were tired of arguing with them and walked away. Now, we're tired of listening to their bs and willing to prove how wrong they are again.
As a Southerner I am fine with Grant getting the award. I just hope Sherman doesnt, my family were victims of his war crimes and while I dont support the CSA, his war crimes were disgusting and as a commanding officer he is still responsible for his soldiers, not to mention his help in genociding Natives.
I agree they should promote him to a general of the armies he was one of the reasons the CSA fell his March to the sea was brilliant he was a great general.
The thing I find perplexing is, Eisenhower at the outbreak of WWII was a Lieutenant Colonel and was promoted to the temporary rank of Colonel in 1941 ! Then 2 1/2 years later he was sporting the rank of "Four Star General" ! I'll bet that chapped some asses in and among the ranks !
Honestly, I respect this decision. The popularity of the lost cause myth MURDERED Grant’s reputation as one of the greatest American generals to have ever lived in the eyes of millions of Americans. I’m glad that with the myth’s recession, more and more people are coming around and warming up to Grant.
This is cool and all, but was Grant really a 6 star? Yes, he won us the civil war, yes he was a strong president and fair leader, absolutely he promoted equality and was a vital leader in our American history. However. He did not win battles through tactical planning, he did not win battles through outwitting or out menuvering his opponents, he won by playing a numbers game with thousands and thousands of young lives. By using sheer mass and momentum Grant made his impact, is that really the same as coordinating operations an ocean away through the most bleak time in human history? Was it the same as raising an untrained force of farmers and mercenaries to fight for independence from the greatest military and naval power of the age? I just don't quite think so
He had to play the numbers game when he started, McClellan didn't pursue any strategic moves against the Confederate Army, he played it too safe. But Grant did use strategies, he divided the Confederate forces by taking the Mississippi River.
You know Congress has nothing better to do with their time, when they are promoting people who died more than a hundred years ago, instead of taking better care of the veterans who are alive today.
A waste of Money? What Money? There are so few Men/ Women who were gifted to Serve with such Loyalty -Sacrifice - Leadership- Insight and Sense of Purpose to above all Protect- Our Country and it’s Constituents that recognition of them after years of evaluation from a Historical Perspective is our responsibility. This provides an example for those who aspire to rise to learn to Love others and their Rights of Life Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. To recognize greatness in others is the very least we should be proud to to do. Money is simply Paper People fight over and have come to Worship in lieu of Morality and Human Life. Respectfully…..
@@geridamas935 Thank you for the qualification. I did not believe it would be an Elevation Semantically in the same sense of the word. I am not a Student of the Order of the Military Command. So just your information was valuable. Thank you
General of the army is 5 star, general of the armies is 6 equivalent. Both are only available slots during a declaration of total war when military size is massively expanded they are promotions of necessity for command and control purposes in those circumstances only
I’m not sure if you have seen or heard of the History channel documentary behind Grant. It’s of the same name and I managed to watch some bits and pieces of it and I was impressed by it
Who the hell spends our tax money having meetings deciding if we should give a higher rank to a dead man or not? Can I ask my boss if I can get promoted after I die?
Well, Ulysses S Grant did win the Civil War. He doesn’t deserve that rank. Grant had little to no knowledge about tactics or leading an army. He was terrible leader that regularly just threw men at solid defenses not giving a shit how many died as long as they won. His men hated him because he treated them like shit and he was an alcoholic that was heavily intoxicated throughout the civil war.
@@VloggingThroughHistory I guess it depends on what source you read. Some of what I said is an opinion, and some are debated by history academics, but none of it is strictly untrue. First, not deserving that rank is strictly my opinion. Second, Grant's entire tactical repertoire during the civil war was to attack the Confederates on all sides, continuously, over and over and over, until they ran out of men and resources and were forced to surrender because he knew he had more soldiers, more weapons, more food, and more supplies. Actually, this might have been the only genius thing he did as it was the only way the North could have won, considering all the well-trained soldiers, officers, and great military minds of the time joined the Confederacy. The reason he became a general was that none of the previous ones were willing to sacrifice their troops in such a way. As for the second point about alcoholism, he was originally forced to retire from the army for being caught intoxicated while on duty (which even today can be considered the military equivalent of a felony). During the civil war, he was accused of being drunk not only on duty but during battles by his soldiers, other officers, and congressmen. He was defended by Lincoln which was no surprise because as i said earlier he was the only northern general that could win battles.
Exactly I mean he approved of Sherman's March to the sea in which he authorized the murder of slaves, women, children, burning homes and cities to the ground with people still in them not to mention burning crop fields and murdering live stock how many war crimes did Grant support in that endeavor
@@295Phoenix oh really is that so well if you weren't brainwashed into believing everything you're told by a teacher and actually did your own research you'll find there is no leg to stand on this argument General Grant was a cruel hateful man who had no principles of honor and dignity even though our school system would have you think differently when if you just do the bear minimum of research you find the truth lays itself out.
@@gabebishop2646 Yeah, the man who generously paroled two rebel armies that surrendered to him was bloodthirsty. LOL! Let me guess, you also don't believe the Southern states seceded over slavery despite several states' articles of secession stating such?
This is exciting. Grant was a better general than Washington. However, both were the right men for the job at the time. Washington, however, was the far better president. Grant was not the worst president. He was just very inexperienced and probably not the best to take up the post. That being said, Grant was a great man and deserves recognition, presidents are more than just their presidency, and I believe Grant deserves this, just as Washington does. Both great men who helped shape our country.
You know this reminded me awhile ago I think it was in one of your Atun-Shei reactions you mentioned a what if Napoleon was born in the South and was of age for the Civil War lol. I’m wondering how you think it would change if Napoleon or a general as skilled as him was on the Southern side, what it might change and maybe if Napoleon was to go against Grant who would win. The Emperor of the French Vs the newly anointed General of the Armies
Unlike most Southern generals, Napoleon was strategically minded and had a good head for logistics. He wouldn't have thrown men away to color a useless corner of the map his color. Though he could misjudge and overextend (see Russia).
Well, good! The man was a great soldier, and a good man. In case you don't know, Grant spent the last part of his life writing his autobiography so that his family would have the income from the book sales. Grant's memoirs are available online for free. I found it a fascinating read.
Currently, the highest ranking commissioned officer in the Army is the Chief of Staff (currently General James C. McConville) and the highest official Army rank with insignia was a 5-Star General, with the last being General Omar Bradley. While the rank "technically" still exists, no officer has been awarded a 5-Star rank since General Bradley's death in 1981
The other part of the 70's Washington thing also stated that no General shall ever surpass (or maybe even equal) Washington, so if Gramt gets promoted to Washington's equal, i believe Washington will receive another promotion.
@Vlogging Through History yeah I thought I saw or read somewhere that if they ever come up with a higher rank for someone, Washington would also recieve another posthumous promotion so that he is never outrank, like if it gets to the point of an 8 ir 9 star general or something like that
Be My Little General. It's how we remember. Brigadier General. Major General. Lieutenant General and General. One two three and four stars respectively.
Grant should be ranked as such. He had control of Banks in the Shenandoah, Sherman out west, Butler Army of the James and Meade of the AOP. He controlled all these armies and had them working together to end the American CW.
Makes sense, give it to the man who gave us the union, and to the man who kept the union together. I don't know who Pershing was, but I gotta assume he did great things.
Now, what I read was, that J.J. Pershing was congerred as "General of the Armies" a simulated "6-Star" rank. And not to let anyone outrank George Washington, he was posthumously promoted to "General of the Armies", but was conferred a "7-Star" rank, as he was the First Cimmanding General of the US Army at the time, and no one wanted any other officer to outrank him. His status, was meant to say he commanded "All" military branches in the US. If I am wrong, please correct any mistakes I made.
You can tour his childhood home as well at Grant's Farm just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. They've got animals and such you can feed and pet so it's great for kiddos as well. We go every year
For my major last semester I wrote a term paper about whether a great American general equals a great American president. There were too many generals so I picked the top 3, George washington, U.S grant, and dwight Eisenhower
I would love a video explaining all ranks of the us military, and maybe the other militaries of the world. I don’t really know what 5 star means. Love the vids :)
I truly believe Grant was one of the greatest heroes in American history and I am so happy he is finally getting his story retold as the great man he truly was, he can rest in peace knowing his story is being cleansed from a drunken butcher to a military genius
Okay, every commander has a senior enlisted advisor, so where are the Sergeants Major of the Armies of the United States? Just asking for all of us NCOs
Grant and Eisenhower both got the rank of Commander in Chief.... Washington too but I can't remember if it existed then. Side note there have been plenty of military presidents but it's a short list of Generals that were also presidents. I know it's not the same but that's kind of like the six-star general of every branch of the military.
Since I've had to repond to DOZENS of people claiming that this is a 5 star rank. It is NOT. General of the Army was created in 1944 (5 stars) and given to Marshall, MacArthur, Ike, Arnold, and later Bradley. There was talk of elevanting Marshall to General of the ARMIES of the United States (the rank I'm discussing here) but he refused it while Pershing (who held that rank) was still alive, believing only one man at a time could have it. It is NOT 5 star, it's above that.
Unlike those dozens of people, I knew you were right about this (though I didn't know about either Washington or Grant's posthumous promotions), but as I listened, I wondered why you didn't distinguish between General of the Army and General of the Armies. That would have probably avoided (most of) the confusion.
I think it is also interesting to note (if I remember this correctly) that in his lifetime Washington only wore three stars.
Then it seems like Bradly should've gotten his posthumously too.
Wouldn't it be that in a way
The president would be the General of the armies
Not to say that all presidents Ther by is a
6 star General
Bur he is the Supreme commander of the armies isn't he
The total military might of the US 🇺🇸
I know this is if any nit-picking but I'm just wondering
Just saying 🇧🇻
A lot of the People in the higher Ranks don’t deserve to be there. There are so many enlisted Men that have way more smarts than their Commissioned Brethren could only wish for. It’s too bad the Rank System is the way it is, a lot of Medals that People deserved were downgraded or not given at all. I’m not sure if it is possible for an Enlisted to transfer over to the Commissioned side of things, but the experience of some of these guys is wasted by others playing politics and just trying to get that next Rank. Not in the Military myself but have Family that are in.
@@Len_M. Remember Captain Holmes in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, who cared about nothing but getting to Major?
Promote somebody after they're dead, you don't have to raise their salary.
Big brained move from the government.
@@clonetrooper730 LOL. I don't think that's really why they did it. The US does have this tendency to do things posthumously, though.
If they do this to me. I'm coming back just to demand a better coffin
@@Tijjain I mean, the thing is, Grant could have used the money. HE was almost broke when he died, and had Mark Twain ghostwrite his memoirs just so his family would have enough to live on.
@@epicurius1which is tragic because arguably hes the nail that brought the confederates to their knees, first with the taking of the Mississippi, and then finally with the defeat of the army of Northern Virginia
The most underappreciated General finally gets the recognition he deserves. Congratulations General Grant, Rest In Peace, Valiant Hero.
do you know what underappreciated means
@@gustavusadolphus6097 Yes.
@@sasquatch7234 admittedly there's a difference between underappreciated and famous.
Benedict Arnold was the textbook definition of underappreciated General but in history he is extremely famous... and infamous.
Thats theodore roosevelt jr.
@@robertharris6092 Excellent observation. He was the only General ON the Normandy beaches. Few of us, I say this as a veteran myself, get the recognition and appreciation we deserve.
I think Grant and Washington didn't need those ranks at all. They certainly deserve them but they already have a higher rank Commander in Cheif.
Except that rank expired when their presidential terms ended. General of the Armies is basically an honorary rank anyway, although Pershing got some pretty awesome benefits when he was promoted to it.
@@D2RCR sure I just don't think they need anymore honors there legacy is insured without it.
I mean, if you it that way, then President _[insert name of most disliked US President here]_ is also on equal rank to Washington and Grant as Commander in Chief, and I don't think many people would appreciate that.
Honestly I think of it more like a hall of fame for military Generals in the US which right now is a very exclusive Club because pinpoints generals who were instrumental in creating the nation preserving the nation and stepping out onto the world stage as a young nation.
It's kind of like how and baseball there is a Hall of Fame even though a lot of players who are in the Hall of Fame have already ate great Lacey outside of it
The problem is that that is just from them being presidents, not from being generals. By that standard, any president is an amazing general. The entire point of giving them this rank is that it officially recognizes them as amazing generals. While legacies in the public mind are one thing, thats nothing official, so in the government's book it doesnt matter.
I'm willing to bet Eisenhower will receive this award in the decades to come.
Ike was like the 6th highest ranking member of the US military in WW2 so I highly doubt that. He was only a theater commander. He was outranked by Marshall, MacArthur, Leahy, King, and Nimitz in WW2
He was President so basically he already held the position of Commander-In-Chief for 8 years, outranking any general to ever exist.
@@VloggingThroughHistory: Who among those people was the highest-ranked?
Does this rank imply that the person who has it was, theoretically, in charge of all military operations at the time (but under the President)?
Marshall was the Army Chief of Staff and outranked everyone else. There was a push to make him General of the Armies of the United States during WW2 but he refused to accept it while Pershing was still living (he died in 1948) and it was never pursued after the war.
@@VloggingThroughHistory: This is not really my realm of even minor amateurish familiarity, but I could see Marshall, in that case, eventually getting it. Also, given that the Marshall Plan was a pretty successful and humanitarian effort (I recognize that that was not its own justification, but it nonetheless is a characteristic which it had), I do not think that retrospective feelings about him are sour enough to prevent it, which is helpful.
And thanks to Mark Twain his wife was able to live comfortably after his death. If you haven't read Grant's autobiography it's perhaps the best of it's kind ever written
What’s it called?
@@skolcoleI believe it’s “Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S Grant, volumes 1 & 2”
The fact that he wrote it while dying from throat cancer, finishing it just days before passing away, and then having very little of his draft edited will never not shock me… he was incredible!
It is also valued by Historians as one of the most honest and accurate depictions of the Civil War. Memoirs often are more more apologetics for what went wrong and celebrations for what went right. Grant generally speaking tried very hard to be honest....
I heard that's part of the reason he wrote it, so his wife would have something to live off of.
Grant was the first three star after Washington. He started out in the Civil War enlisting as a private after being brushed off by McClellan when applying for a commission. He was elected Captain of his Company almost immediately, and quickly rose through the ranks, success coming from almost every operation he was involved in. He was struggling with alcoholism, and Lincoln was pressured to relieve him. Lincoln saw his potential, and responded to one such petitioner, "I can't spare this man. He fights."
about Grant’s enlistment. He was working his father’s store in Galena, IL and as a West Point grad he was given a commission by the governor of Illinois as an advisor and then Colonel in command of the 21st Illinois. I think you’re confusing when he chaired a meeting for militia being raised in the town and they tried to make him a captain but he turned it down as he knew he would at least be made a Colonel (as he had been a Captain in the regular army)
@@VloggingThroughHistory Ah! Silly of me to forget this. Well done.
We are here to learn together. I make my fair share of mistakes and forgetfulness about things too.
What was Winfield Scott's rank?
Lincoln was also running into a morale issue with the frequent replacement of Generals. He stuck it out with Grant and it paid dividends. I don’t believe Grant to be an elite General, but he was a very crucial general in American history
Long overdue. It's insane how Lost Causers tore down his image for so long. Grant absolutely deserves it.
It's been great to see the rehabilitation of his legacy. A century and a half of abuse and lies of him being nothing but a butcher, despite the facts proving otherwise, and he finally gets the honor he deserves.
A lot of people would tell u Grant was a drunkard. But it is a known fact he was never drunk while performing his duties.
@@HistoryNerd808 Didn’t people call Sherman a butcher more so than Grant?
@@kerrick7621 No, Grant was the person people claimed was a butcher. They hated Sherman for burning Atlanta.
@@Verge63 Kinda weird that you brought up that General Sherman was a Catholic.
Are you correlating his laughter to the enemy being a Protestant Reverend?
It sounded like you were trying to make a case for Sherman being callous...
Also how's that a measure of anything? As a military veteran myself pro tip:
If everyday you wake up you know somebody's going to die you develop a morbid sense of humor.
I laughed out loud literally when I learned that Confederate Jackson died after being shot by his own men.
I recognized their humanity but the Confederate military was a group dedicated to killing United States Army personnel. As a US soldier I struggle to shed tears over their demise.
Well deserved!! Grant deserves so much recognition for all he has done for our country. The man who saved the Union and destroyed the Confederacy is a American hero.
Unfortunately he founded the Justice Department which is used as a cudgel against people who oppose federal overreach
He gave the feds one of their earliest and most powerful tools of tyranny. Fuck Grant
No one wins in a war man
Cringe take
@@DarkMatterX1 explain your take
@@lilmanbazooka7944 Maybe they think the South could've seceded, and the Union would've been fine, so they see the American Civil War as an unnecessary one, especially considering the bloodshed?
Hell yea Unconditional Surrender Grant . God bless Ulysses S. Grant one of the most legendary Generals of the United States Military.
Grant was such a Chad. I'm so glad he's getting the recognition he deserves. God love him.
A Chad, what does that even mean?
I’m rather certain he was never in Africa, and Chad 🇹🇩 wasn’t even a country back then.
I don’t think you realize just how childish you sound when using euphemisms like this when referring to a General and former president. 😂
Smartass 🙄
Grant was a great man. A fair man. A just man. A hero who was looked down upon by his own race but beloved by all others. God save General Grant. Love from India 🇮🇳
Imagine being at some random command desk and seeing Washington's service folder cross your desk.🤣
*Grant saves the basically saves the Union*
“Should we promote him for this.”
“No it’s fine.”
Over 100 years later
“Ok I changed my mind let’s promote him”
“…”
They promoted him. In fact he was the first 4 star general in US History. They just didn’t have 5 and 6 stars at the time.
Lincoln destroyed the Union. We lived in a voluntary Union of independent sovereigns. Now we live under compulsory Federal tyranny.
He may have saved a union but he didn’t create it. Washington is number one.
At that time Congress was actually still scared to hand any military person that much "power". I agree it's a weird mindset.
After being being dead for 137 years he finally get promoted to General of the armies what a chad bro
Absolutely Love General Grant. An absolutely impressive man
Thank you. I recall my Dad mentioning over the years the five-star generals and admirals that America had honored, and pointing out that Gen. Pershing was the only officer designated as, "General of the Armies." In later years, I followed up on this history - and once could name the five generals and four admirals who received that high distinction.
I was aware that George Washington had been elevated posthumously: I believe he was elevated from Lieutenant General to the unofficial six-star rank. I also recall that that highest rank actually was five gold stars instead of five silver stars - but again, Gen. Pershing never wore five gold stars. Neither will Generals Washington and Grant - yet they both exceeded such ranking by being elected President and thus serving as Commander-in- Chief.
My Dad took interest in such things. He served between World War II and Korea and always had his eye on leadership.
I think Bradley was the last living five star
I always think, the next five star, time to be on the lookout for Mushroom clouds
Grant deserves the rank. Je was probably our greatest military leader.
US Grant deserves as great recognition as anyone. He was the right man at the right time in our history. From cadet to quartermaster to general to President. Inspiring !
Did you know that General MacArthur would’ve been promoted to General of the Armies if Operation Downfall was enacted. Also General Pershing wore 4 gold stars to differ from other 4 star generals.
He still probably would have gotten it if not for botching the intelligence on China during the Korean War.
So glad to see this. I’m a huge fan of Ulysses S. Grant.
I live in Georgetown, Ohio (Grant's childhood town), so I'm pretty happy to see him get the promotion.
Nice! Yeah his father Jesse was mayor of Georgetown.
I understand that General Grant is still waiting on his VA Benefits!
Eisenhower he's my hero, saw him in a parade, I was either in kindergarten or 1st grade ,Boston. Warned us of military industrial complex we see today.
RIP 💐 🙏 Ulysses S Grant & other highest ranking generals with posthumous promotions ❤ 🕊 🇵🇭
His Wikipedia page has already been updated, they're fast.
It got put back to a 5 star rank until the army declares a promotion order since he isn’t a 6 star yet.
I am so glad they promoted Grant to that level. I read his biography; he is a complex and interesting man.
Few American generals have aired less about rank and etiquette than Ulysses S Grant. Most of the time, he wore a private uniform, even when accepting he surrender the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Courthouse. Grant's actions speak for themselves.
Then again, there is so much that I disagree with in the 2023 military budget, that I am just a nonplussed by this.
Pershing wore his stars in gold instead of the silver normally used. Thats how he marked his rank
I’m a new viewer, enjoying the heck out of your videos. I feel like I’ve found ‘home.’ I just want to tell you, you are a brilliant man. Knowledge is one thing, but how you interpret that knowledge and apply it to real life is the mark of intelligence. I love listening to your take on the things that happened that shaped our world today. I know you’ve done this before, but could you please tell me a brief history about you.
I like this. Honoring history, and its heros instead of destroying it with woke culture.
Uh it wasn’t exactly woke culture that tarnished Grants reputation. It was neoconfedatate conservative lost causers who did that.
Congrats to the remainder of the Grant family!!!
this was honestly iso cool to watch. love that Washington was posthumously promoted in 76!
My boi Ulysses getting that respec he deserve
General of the Legions of the Roman Republic.
I feel that Washington deserves his own rank that nobody can obtain.
Don't tell that to Trump!
He's already made it clear he thinks he was a better President than Washington*, AND Lincoln!
It's surprising that he didn't try to commission himself as a General, on his way out the door! Except for he was too busy clawing and scratching to stay...
* Washington knew when it was time to leave, so, he was definitely better! (As if it was even a contest!)
The only 'contest of presidents' that Trump is in is the "Worst President", though, sadly, he does have some competition for that!
@@TheScandoman Literally who asked.
@@TheTsar69 You did, when you used the word "nobody"!
Already done
God?
John J. Pershing not only wore 4 stars but his stars were Golden and not silver; that was the only difference among the other Generals. A small detail you forgot to mention.
Grant definitely deserves this posthumous promotion.
I agree mr president.
Having Lincoln’s approval is basically the biggest flex you could possibly have.
Long overdue and completely Justified! US Grant was one of our Finast Generals!
Lost Causers: "NOOO! General Lee should get this!!!" :P
was about to say
Did you forget about the leftist?
I mean those people hate every white man in uniform so i thought you were gonna mention it or something 🤔
@@arbiteroffate3601 considering most of the folks online that throw around the term "Leftist" wouldn't be able to differenciate a "Leftist" from a communist from a social democrat from a national socialist, i really don'T care.
@@undertakernumberone1 Leftists; “noooo wypipo bad- oh it’s time to prep the bull! Come here Tyrone”
@@jacksonfitzsimmons4253 And in turn: "You say somethign I disagree with! YOU A LEFTIST!!! YOu communist think that big companies hsouldn't be allowed to act as they please! And you think, you dare think that Ulysses S. Grant was an able general, and more successfull than Robert E. Lee, you soy boy!!!"
General of the Navies too, if we're being completely honest. And I know it's called 'admiral', but strictly speaking that should be for Porter.
Fleet admiral is the 5 star rank and the highest rank ever attained in the navy is the rank "Admiral of the Navy" by George Dewey
@@jonnie5bgood583 Is Admiral of the Navy less than five stars then?
@EpicMRPancake it's considered equivalent to the rank of fleet admiral, so it's at least a 5 star rank. Dewey is the only one to ever reach the rank and he is considered the most senior in naval history. The fleet admiral rank was created in 1944 as the new 5 star rank. Dewey died in 1917 and the rank was created for him in 1899.
Love how my Ohio boy got that award. Congrats to General Grant!
According to Wikipedia, Pershing was allowed to have four gold stars
🌟🌟🌟 🌟 , to distinguish himself from other four-star Generals.
When the rank of five-star General of the Army in 1944, the language of the legislation stated that Pershing outranked the five-stars (Marshall, MacArthur, Eisenhower, Arnold).
When Washington got promoted to General of the Armies, the date of his promotion was retroactively given to him effective in 1976. This would make him, senior in rank, to Pershing.
That’s Awesome for General Grant deserves it in real time !!
So we digging up the grave to add the stars or. . .
No need to dig him up as he's not buried.
@@VloggingThroughHistory oh? What happened to his body?
Oh?
@@_somerandomguyontheinternet_ Grant is interred in a sarcophagus in Grant’s Tomb in New York City.
@@_somerandomguyontheinternet_ He is interred in a mausoleum. The appropriately named "General Grant National Memorial"/"Grant's Tomb" in NYC.
after WWII in 1945 with 12.5 million active personnel USA had only 11 four star generals.
In 2022 US army had 416657 personnel with 45 four star generals.
Grant is one of my favorite Presidents.
Underrated for sure.
An added caveat regarding Gen. Washington is that he's the most senior in rank in perpetuity.
Grant was villainized and torn down for a ridiculously long time, despite all evidence to the contrary. I'm 22, even in my own history classes 5 or 6 years ago they were still talking about how he was a raging drunkard, he sacrificed his own men with impunity, etc.
The Lost Cause was strong in rewriting history because people were tired of arguing with them and walked away. Now, we're tired of listening to their bs and willing to prove how wrong they are again.
@@nobodyspecial4702 projecting much 😂😂
@@mrmackey8776 You still revising much?
General John Pershing
• the only “General of the Armies” during his lifetime never wore more than 4 stars on his uniform
Yes he said that...
Good ol' Ulysses "Uncle Sam" Grant deserves this honor. God bless him and General Washington!
Samuel Wilson was uncle Sam, not Grant
That ought to piss off the lost cause crowd.😂
As a Southerner I am fine with Grant getting the award. I just hope Sherman doesnt, my family were victims of his war crimes and while I dont support the CSA, his war crimes were disgusting and as a commanding officer he is still responsible for his soldiers, not to mention his help in genociding Natives.
Yeah Sherman absolutely despise native Americans especially the sioux. I think on his deathbed he even whine that they didn't kill enough of them.
William tecumseh Sharman needs to be get promoted
I agree they should promote him to a general of the armies he was one of the reasons the CSA fell his March to the sea was brilliant he was a great general.
That is a really cool piece of news I wouldn't have known without this post! Thanks so much for your cool updates!
I have always admired General Ulysses Grant.
I got the most recent version of Grant's Civil War memoirs, the annotated version, and it's an excellent read. I live American Civil War history.
I can’t think of two generals more deserving than Washington and Grant.
Maybe Eisenhower. Maybe.
The thing I find perplexing is, Eisenhower at the outbreak of WWII was a Lieutenant Colonel and was promoted to the temporary rank of Colonel in 1941 ! Then 2 1/2 years later he was sporting the rank of "Four Star General" ! I'll bet that chapped some asses in and among the ranks !
Honestly, I respect this decision. The popularity of the lost cause myth MURDERED Grant’s reputation as one of the greatest American generals to have ever lived in the eyes of millions of Americans. I’m glad that with the myth’s recession, more and more people are coming around and warming up to Grant.
I think his scores at West Point helped, especially when you have people like Sherman and Lee on that list.
He has no honor!that's all there is to it!
Grant certainly deserves this honor. Such a great general and a true solider. God bless him. R.I.P
This is cool and all, but was Grant really a 6 star? Yes, he won us the civil war, yes he was a strong president and fair leader, absolutely he promoted equality and was a vital leader in our American history. However. He did not win battles through tactical planning, he did not win battles through outwitting or out menuvering his opponents, he won by playing a numbers game with thousands and thousands of young lives. By using sheer mass and momentum Grant made his impact, is that really the same as coordinating operations an ocean away through the most bleak time in human history? Was it the same as raising an untrained force of farmers and mercenaries to fight for independence from the greatest military and naval power of the age? I just don't quite think so
He had to play the numbers game when he started, McClellan didn't pursue any strategic moves against the Confederate Army, he played it too safe. But Grant did use strategies, he divided the Confederate forces by taking the Mississippi River.
U high bro? Learn about Vicksburg stop eating the lost cause
Technically, because if you die in war / fought in the revolution (pretty sure they didn't discharge back then) you are still an active duty soldier.
You know Congress has nothing better to do with their time, when they are promoting people who died more than a hundred years ago, instead of taking better care of the veterans who are alive today.
Cope
Finally Happy 200th Birthday to the greatest General that ever walked on our soil ❤😢❤
A waste of taxpayer money. The NDAA should never be passed again.
A waste of Money? What Money? There are so few Men/ Women who were gifted
to Serve with such Loyalty -Sacrifice - Leadership- Insight and Sense of Purpose to above all Protect- Our Country and it’s Constituents that recognition of them after years of evaluation from a Historical Perspective is our responsibility. This provides an example for those who aspire to rise to learn to Love others and their Rights of Life Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. To recognize greatness in others is the very least we should be proud to to do. Money is simply Paper
People fight over and have come to Worship in lieu of Morality and Human Life.
Respectfully…..
@@RATCLIFFE-LISTENS He's talking about the bill that was passed, not the provision.
@@geridamas935 Thank you for the qualification. I did not believe it would be an Elevation Semantically in the same sense of the word. I am not a Student of the Order of the Military Command. So just your information was valuable. Thank you
Good. Grant deserves the recognnition
Just remember it's only war crimes if you lose the war...
General of the army is 5 star, general of the armies is 6 equivalent. Both are only available slots during a declaration of total war when military size is massively expanded they are promotions of necessity for command and control purposes in those circumstances only
i think it would be funny if Lee was promoted as well, just to see the pandemonium
He was never higher than a Colonel in the US Army, so that wouldn't happen...and that's before the whole rebellion thing...
please no...
@@VloggingThroughHistory Also, the real pandemonium is the Lost Causers who venerate Lee going haywire once "Butcher Grant" gets his promotion.
@@undertakernumberone1 The South will rise again
@@jacksonfitzsimmons4253 0-2
I’m not sure if you have seen or heard of the History channel documentary behind Grant. It’s of the same name and I managed to watch some bits and pieces of it and I was impressed by it
Who the hell spends our tax money having meetings deciding if we should give a higher rank to a dead man or not? Can I ask my boss if I can get promoted after I die?
@@Byzant7 people were paid to sit in meetings to decide this stuff.
it was an addon to a multibillion dollar spending bill, sponsored by a bunch of members of congress. I doubt very much time or money was spent on it.
Hi, Chris, very interesting, I didn't realise people could be promoted after they died
Well, Ulysses S Grant did win the Civil War. He doesn’t deserve that rank. Grant had little to no knowledge about tactics or leading an army. He was terrible leader that regularly just threw men at solid defenses not giving a shit how many died as long as they won. His men hated him because he treated them like shit and he was an alcoholic that was heavily intoxicated throughout the civil war.
None of what you just said is true, except that he won the war.
@@VloggingThroughHistory Can't accept actual history?
@@jadapinkett1656 on the contrary, I know actual history.
@@VloggingThroughHistory I guess it depends on what source you read. Some of what I said is an opinion, and some are debated by history academics, but none of it is strictly untrue. First, not deserving that rank is strictly my opinion. Second, Grant's entire tactical repertoire during the civil war was to attack the Confederates on all sides, continuously, over and over and over, until they ran out of men and resources and were forced to surrender because he knew he had more soldiers, more weapons, more food, and more supplies. Actually, this might have been the only genius thing he did as it was the only way the North could have won, considering all the well-trained soldiers, officers, and great military minds of the time joined the Confederacy. The reason he became a general was that none of the previous ones were willing to sacrifice their troops in such a way. As for the second point about alcoholism, he was originally forced to retire from the army for being caught intoxicated while on duty (which even today can be considered the military equivalent of a felony). During the civil war, he was accused of being drunk not only on duty but during battles by his soldiers, other officers, and congressmen. He was defended by Lincoln which was no surprise because as i said earlier he was the only northern general that could win battles.
Now when I finally succeed in reiving Grant through dark magic he'll have ULTIMATE COMMAND!
The waffle house has found its new host
The waffle house is all up in yer mother's guts!
The waffle house has found its new host
Absolutely outstanding and long overdue. However Southern Politicians have a lot of clout and would be like eating soap to many of them.
They need to be eating soap, if they are bothered.
If you saw how bloodthirsty Grant was, I don't think you'd be wanting to do that
He only did what he had to do to end the war and save the nation. God bless General Grant!
Exactly I mean he approved of Sherman's March to the sea in which he authorized the murder of slaves, women, children, burning homes and cities to the ground with people still in them not to mention burning crop fields and murdering live stock how many war crimes did Grant support in that endeavor
@@gabebishop2646 Lost Cause horseshit.
@@295Phoenix oh really is that so well if you weren't brainwashed into believing everything you're told by a teacher and actually did your own research you'll find there is no leg to stand on this argument General Grant was a cruel hateful man who had no principles of honor and dignity even though our school system would have you think differently when if you just do the bear minimum of research you find the truth lays itself out.
@@gabebishop2646 Yeah, the man who generously paroled two rebel armies that surrendered to him was bloodthirsty. LOL! Let me guess, you also don't believe the Southern states seceded over slavery despite several states' articles of secession stating such?
This is exciting. Grant was a better general than Washington. However, both were the right men for the job at the time. Washington, however, was the far better president. Grant was not the worst president. He was just very inexperienced and probably not the best to take up the post. That being said, Grant was a great man and deserves recognition, presidents are more than just their presidency, and I believe Grant deserves this, just as Washington does. Both great men who helped shape our country.
You know this reminded me awhile ago I think it was in one of your Atun-Shei reactions you mentioned a what if Napoleon was born in the South and was of age for the Civil War lol. I’m wondering how you think it would change if Napoleon or a general as skilled as him was on the Southern side, what it might change and maybe if Napoleon was to go against Grant who would win. The Emperor of the French Vs the newly anointed General of the Armies
Unlike most Southern generals, Napoleon was strategically minded and had a good head for logistics. He wouldn't have thrown men away to color a useless corner of the map his color. Though he could misjudge and overextend (see Russia).
Well, good! The man was a great soldier, and a good man. In case you don't know, Grant spent the last part of his life writing his autobiography so that his family would have the income from the book sales.
Grant's memoirs are available online for free. I found it a fascinating read.
Currently, the highest ranking commissioned officer in the Army is the Chief of Staff (currently General James C. McConville) and the highest official Army rank with insignia was a 5-Star General, with the last being General Omar Bradley. While the rank "technically" still exists, no officer has been awarded a 5-Star rank since General Bradley's death in 1981
Good to see my ancestor get the recognition he rightly deserves
We should have Marshalls of the United States, give out batons.
The other part of the 70's Washington thing also stated that no General shall ever surpass (or maybe even equal) Washington, so if Gramt gets promoted to Washington's equal, i believe Washington will receive another promotion.
Not necessary. Washington’s promotion is backdated to before Pershing and Grant so he still outranks them.
@Vlogging Through History yeah I thought I saw or read somewhere that if they ever come up with a higher rank for someone, Washington would also recieve another posthumous promotion so that he is never outrank, like if it gets to the point of an 8 ir 9 star general or something like that
I think this whole promotion long after death thing is silly, but the precedent being set for others in the past Grant definitely deserves it
Be My Little General. It's how we remember. Brigadier General. Major General. Lieutenant General and General. One two three and four stars respectively.
Grant should be ranked as such. He had control of Banks in the Shenandoah, Sherman out west, Butler Army of the James and Meade of the AOP. He controlled all these armies and had them working together to end the American CW.
Makes sense, give it to the man who gave us the union, and to the man who kept the union together. I don't know who Pershing was, but I gotta assume he did great things.
He was Spanish American War and ww1
Now, what I read was, that J.J. Pershing was congerred as "General of the Armies" a simulated "6-Star" rank. And not to let anyone outrank George Washington, he was posthumously promoted to "General of the Armies", but was conferred a "7-Star" rank, as he was the First Cimmanding General of the US Army at the time, and no one wanted any other officer to outrank him. His status, was meant to say he commanded "All" military branches in the US. If I am wrong, please correct any mistakes I made.
I always thought no officer could out rank Washington or be the equal rank Washington always has to be the highest ranking officer ever.
Washington is always considered most senior but can still share the same rank as others
Grant while not officially titled, indeed held that rank
You can tour his childhood home as well at Grant's Farm just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. They've got animals and such you can feed and pet so it's great for kiddos as well. We go every year
Grant is one of my great great great and grandparents
For my major last semester I wrote a term paper about whether a great American general equals a great American president. There were too many generals so I picked the top 3, George washington, U.S grant, and dwight Eisenhower
I'm so glad our US Congress is considering important details like dead us generals . And believe me I'm a huge u.s. history buff
That rank is effectively a high field marshal.
I would love a video explaining all ranks of the us military, and maybe the other militaries of the world. I don’t really know what 5 star means. Love the vids :)
Ulysses S. Grant was a good man.
I truly believe Grant was one of the greatest heroes in American history and I am so happy he is finally getting his story retold as the great man he truly was, he can rest in peace knowing his story is being cleansed from a drunken butcher to a military genius
Okay, every commander has a senior enlisted advisor, so where are the Sergeants Major of the Armies of the United States? Just asking for all of us NCOs
Grant and Eisenhower both got the rank of Commander in Chief.... Washington too but I can't remember if it existed then.
Side note there have been plenty of military presidents but it's a short list of Generals that were also presidents.
I know it's not the same but that's kind of like the six-star general of every branch of the military.
I believe Article 2 of the constitution designates the President as Commander in Chief.
Finally!!! Grant got the promotion.
Without him the civil war would of ended entirely different then how we know it.