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Ulysses S. Grant: General, President, and Paradox

         Ulysses S. Grant was a very unique man. He had no wish to lead a military life, yet became one of the greatest generals of all time. His popularity and success in the military contrasted drastically with his failures at previous ventures, including real estate and a general store. Grant's presidency was riddled with scandal and corruption, but he worked hard to create a more perfect Union during Reconstruction, and was a champion of civil rights for newly freed slaves. He was aggressive, kind-hearted, an alcoholic, and myriad other things. Ulysses S. Grant is one of the most fabled historical figures in U.S. history, and rightly so.