Union General was having the most success in the western theater and quickly rising in popularity

Full Answer Section

• Rise in Popularity: Grant's aggressive tactics and battlefield successes earned him the nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant and made him a national hero. He received significant media attention and public support.

Don Carlos Buell:

• Victories: Commanded the Army of the Ohio and played a crucial role in the capture of Nashville. Supported Grant at Shiloh and shared in the victory.
• Less Prominent: Although Buell contributed significantly, Grant's decisive actions and media coverage overshadowed him. Buell's cautious approach and later controversies lessened his popularity compared to Grant.

Therefore, while both generals achieved success in the western theater, Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed wider recognition and faster rise in popularity due to his decisive victories, public image, and media attention.

It's important to note that the landscape of the war shifted, and other generals like William Tecumseh Sherman would later gain prominence. However, in the timeframe you provided, Grant stood out as the most successful and popular Union general in the western theater.

Sample Answer

During the early to mid-1862, two Union generals in the western theater were experiencing success and rising in popularity: Ulysses S. Grant and Don Carlos Buell. Both played crucial roles in early victories, but by mid-1862, Grant had emerged as the more prominent figure.

Ulysses S. Grant:

• Victories: Captured Forts Henry and Donelson in February 1862, leading to the capture of Nashville and much of Tennessee. Won the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, a costly but ultimately strategic victory.