Ulysses S. Grant: Hardscrabble Warrior, Global Statesman

The son of a humble tanner, Ulysses S. Grant graduated West Point Military Academy in the bottom half of his class. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War but failed miserably in his efforts to provide for his family. But the start of the American Civil War would begin to forge a leader to guide a reborn United States global superpower.

The Civil War would test Grant to his very core and mold him and the nation into a battle hardened global power. But it would also leave deep scares on the soul of the nation that to this day tear at the very fabric of our lives.

After the Civil War Grant would be given nearly king-like power over the Reconstruction South and the nation's voters would elect him to two scandal-ridden terms as President. But despite his administration's faults, he set into motion the ideals and policies that would take the country and the world into the 20th century, and that continue to shape us even today.