When General Grant Expelled the Jews

General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Orders No. 11 in December 1862, expelling Jewish people from his military district. This decree marked the first and only time in American history that a government official formally expelled Jews as a class. The book examines the circumstances that led to this controversial order during the Civil War, focusing on cotton speculation, military concerns, and anti-Semitism in 19th century America. It tracks the Jewish community's swift response and resistance to the order, including their direct appeal to President Abraham Lincoln. Grant's later actions as president and his relationships with the American Jewish community form a central part of the narrative. His subsequent political career and evolution on Jewish issues are documented through correspondence, newspaper accounts, and official records. The work raises questions about prejudice, redemption, and minority rights in American democracy. It connects this historical episode to broader patterns in American Jewish history and civil rights.

Readers found this book provided detailed context about both Grant's infamous General Order No. 11 and his later relationship with the Jewish community. Many note it fills an important historical gap, though some felt the coverage was too narrow in scope. Liked: - Clear documentation of Grant's evolution from issuing the expulsion order to supporting Jewish causes as president - Strong research and primary sources - Concise length that maintains focus Disliked: - Several readers wanted more background on Jewish life in the Civil War era - Some found the writing dry and academic - A few noted redundant passages Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (123 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (52 ratings) Notable Reader Comments: "Thorough examination of a little-known historical episode" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much speculation about Grant's motivations" - Amazon reviewer "The book's narrow focus helps illuminate this specific incident but misses broader historical context" - LibraryThing review

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🔷 General Grant's Order No. 11 was issued on December 17, 1862, expelling all Jews from his military district (Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi), marking the first and only time in American history that Jews were officially expelled as a class. 🔷 The expulsion order was revoked by President Abraham Lincoln just 18 days after it was issued, but not before some Jewish families were forced from their homes in the middle of winter. 🔷 Author Jonathan D. Sarna is considered one of America's foremost scholars of American Jewish history and serves as the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. 🔷 Later in life, Grant deeply regretted issuing Order No. 11 and, as President, appointed more Jews to public office than any of his predecessors, becoming the first U.S. President to attend a synagogue dedication. 🔷 The incident helped unite American Jews in political activism, leading to the formation of the Board of Delegates of American Israelites, one of the first Jewish political advocacy groups in the United States.