Grant and Eisenhower: A Comparative Study of the Soldier Turned Political Leader

摘要

The successes of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm have given themilitary a new image compared to the public's impression of our defense establishments capabilities and intentions following Vietnam. Senior military leaders who are credited with the recent successes are being referred to as possible political leaders in positions from the state to the highest national levels. This wave of high public confidence in military figures and an emotional enthusiasm for military style leadership in the political arena has occurred after past wars. Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower were swept into the U.S. Presidency after successes on the battlefield. Neither of these great generals had discernible political ambitions prior to their being drafted to political service. A review of their lives through biographical and autobiographical literature can give the modern soldier a clearer understanding of their importance to the overall political process of the nation. This information can also serve to awaken an individual interest in learning more about the political implications of military service.