Summary

Chapter 3 describes Grant’s involvement in the Mexican-American War. Grant was assigned to a unit in Louisiana preparing for war with Mexico. President Polk wanted to provoke the Mexicans into war so that the United States could annex Texas. After fighting began, Grant served in Zachary Taylor’s invasion force and grew to admire Taylor’s reserved character and respectful treatment of the enemy. When Taylor was replaced in command by General Winfield Scott, Grant learned that military promotions were often dictated by political motives, in this case, Polk wishing to sideline a possible opponent. After Scott captured Mexico City, he forced the Mexican government to sell significant territory to the United States, a move that Grant believed led to the Civil War by opening a debate about the expansion of slavery into new states. As a young officer, Grant distinguished himself as...