Civil War Journal Season 1 Episode 13 West Point Classmates
- December 1, 1993
- 40 min
Civil War Journal was a television series that focused on the historical events and individuals involved in the American Civil War. In the thirteenth episode of the first season, titled "West Point Classmates," viewers were taken on a journey through the lives of some of the graduates from the United States Military Academy.
The West Point Military Academy was founded in 1802 and has served as a training ground for countless soldiers throughout American history. It is well known for its intensive program, and graduates are highly respected throughout the military community.
This episode of Civil War Journal focused primarily on a few notable West Point graduates, including Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and William T. Sherman. The episode explored their experiences at West Point and how those experiences shaped their military careers.
Robert E. Lee was the class of 1829's superintendent at West Point. He graduated second in his class and went on to have a long and successful military career. Lee was very popular among his classmates and was known for being quiet, hardworking, and humble.
Ulysses S. Grant was a member of the class of 1843. He graduated in the middle of his class and went on to serve in the Mexican-American War. Following this conflict, Grant struggled to find his footing in civilian life and eventually rejoined the military. He went on to become one of the most successful Union generals of the Civil War and was eventually elected President of the United States.
William T. Sherman was a member of the class of 1840. He graduated sixth in his class and began his military career by serving in the Second Seminole War. Like Grant, Sherman struggled to find success in civilian life and had a series of failed jobs before rejoining the military. He is best known for his march to the sea during the Civil War, during which he led his troops on a destructive path through Georgia.
In addition to these well-known figures, the episode also explored the lives of some of their classmates who did not become as famous. The show discussed how the bonds formed at West Point stayed with these men throughout their lives and how their relationships with each other often shaped the course of the war.
Overall, "West Point Classmates" was an illuminating episode of Civil War Journal that provided viewers with a glimpse into the lives of some of the most notable graduates of the United States Military Academy. The show's exploration of their experiences at West Point and how those experiences shaped their careers offered valuable insights into the lives of those who fought in the Civil War.