Historians have traditionally drawn distinctions between Ulysses S. Grant's military and political careers. This book questions such distinctions and offers a new understanding of this often enigmatic leader. The author argues that during the 1860s Grant was both soldier and politician, for military and civil policy were inevitably intertwined during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. According to the author, Grant instinctively understood that war was 'politics by other means.' Moreover, he realized that civil wars presented special challenges: reconciliation, not conquest, was the Union's ultimate goal. And in peace, Grant sought to secure what had been won in war, stepping in to assume a more active role in policymaking when the intransigence of white Southerners and the obstructionist behavior of President Andrew Johnson threatened to spoil the fruits of Northern victory.

"The South will fight" -- A soldier's duty -- War in earnest -- Sword and olive branch -- The word of General Grant -- From conciliation to protection -- Walking a political tightrope -- Hardly a party matter -- Grant versus Johnson -- The Presidential question -- "In spite of myself" -- The fruits of victory.