In the Eastern Theatre of War, the union were continually on the losing side and made little or no progress. Only U.S Grant is making significant progress and delivering major victories in the Western Theatre of War. In 1864, Lincoln finally finds Ulysses S Grant and congress gives him the rank of lieutenant General (3 Star) last held by George Washington himself. The war will end quickly in a year after U.S Grant's appointment, as the General of all Union armies.
The American Civil War called for incredibly heroic leaders. The South had Robert E. Lee leading its armies right from the very beginning. However, President Lincoln did not find a general who could succeed for the North until he found Ulysses S. Grant. Lincoln tried and rejected six generals before he found Grant. Although these generals possessed leadership skills and military know-how, most had no skill at winning battles. Grant was a quiet, unassuming 39-year-old from West Point whose persistence and strength of character enabled him to get the job done. Grant had the ability to inspire and lead men with excitement and enthusiasm. He led the northern citizens to win battles and ultimately save the Union.