Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Blue_Ridge_Mtn_Geek
The following men were generals who were elected President of the United States:

George Washington
Andrew Jackson
Zachary Taylor
Ulysses S. Grant
Dwight D. Eisenhower

All of these men were elected immediately AFTER a war, or fairly soon thereafter. Taylor was in office only a short while, so his presidency really doesn't count.

Grant was coming off the Civil War, and it was a generation before the nation was ready to fight over anything.

Washington was the first president, when the nation was just getting started. Having defeated the British, he no doubt felt it good to keep a low profile, as we were really not capable of taking on France or Britain again at that time.

By the time of the War of 1812, the United States had become a far-flung battleground of the Napoleonic wars in Europe. Jackson was a hero of the defense of New Orleans. As he instigated several attacks on Indian tribes, I don't think his presidency can be considered peaceful.

Eisenhower pursued the Cold War, which had many fronts, including Viet Nam.

In short, electing a general doesn't guarantee peace; it is simply an accident of history.

47 posted on 12/31/2003 9:34:07 AM PST by Miss Marple
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies ]


To: Miss Marple
The following men were generals who were elected President of the United States:
George Washington
Andrew Jackson
Zachary Taylor
Ulysses S. Grant
Dwight D. Eisenhower

You omitted Brigadier General William Henry Harrison on this list.

263 posted on 01/01/2004 2:14:52 PM PST by Ghengis
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson