Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts

 Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts

Bruce Catton compares two enormously separate Ameican generals: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. They both are stiff and they both represent the strengths of two conflicting currents. They brought two conflicting currents into the final collision. They both played a vital role to end the war despite the differences they have.

The peace agreement took place at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. It is regarded as a great chapter in American life because it brought the beginning of a new chapter, ending an old great chapter. The gathered people were bringing an end to the Civil war. 

Robert E. Lee represents the aristocratic ideals of a privileged family, culture, and traditional upper-classmen. He believed that there should be inequality within the American social structure. He has a feeling that it was somehow beneficial to human society to have inequality in the social structure. He looks for a higher value. He lived in a static society. 

Whereas Grant was against inequality. He was not born in a privileged family and he had earned it on his own. He fought for the country and felt the importance of a democratic society. He looks for the future. He seeks expansion of the society and widening of the horizon.

According to Catton the contrast between Lee and Grant is because of their reason to fight. They both would fight but for two different aspects. Lee fights for a society. He fights to defend his society. The concept of society is a locality for Lee. On the other hand, the concept of society lies in a broader sense for Grant. He fights for the expansion and to widen the horizon. 

Despite differences in background, personality, and aspiration, these two soldiers have some commonalities. They both are marvelous fighters. Their fighting qualities were similar. They both gave given up any fight. They would fight as long as they have feet and two fists. They both have the ability to think faster and move faster than the enemy. Most of all they have the ability to reconcile quickly. They turn the war to peace.

In spite of differences, hey can understand things in the same way. That's why they have the ability to change war into peace. They had a bitterness to the fullest yet they chose to reconcile for everyone. Their presence together to end the conflict is a great event in the history. Over the years of conflict, one had ever realized there was any possibility for these men to come together for reconciliation. So, their encounter at Appomattox was a great moment and succeeding generations of Americans are indebt.