Ulysses S. Grant’s Unapologetic Support for Geneva Arbitration

The blog post draft shines a spotlight on Ulysses S. Grant’s unexpected connection to conservative principles. It’s a tale that might raise a few eyebrows, especially when you consider Grant’s support for the Geneva Arbitration process. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so conservative about a bunch of diplomats haggling over international disputes?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a humorous journey through the world of 19th-century diplomacy, where Grant’s actions speak louder than his whiskers.

Personal Responsibility: Grant’s Diplomacy Dilemma

Picture this: It’s 1871, and the United States is in a bit of a pickle with Great Britain. Instead of reaching for his saber, Grant decides to embrace the wild and crazy idea of… talking it out. Yes, folks, he chose diplomacy over warfare. It’s like choosing to have a civilized conversation with your neighbor about their overgrown hedge instead of launching a full-scale invasion of their garden.

Smaller Government: Less War, More Jaw

By supporting the Geneva Arbitration, Grant essentially said, “Hey, maybe we don’t need to mobilize the entire government and military to solve every little international squabble.” It’s the diplomatic equivalent of fixing a leaky faucet yourself instead of calling in the National Guard. This approach aligns perfectly with the conservative ideal of smaller, less intrusive government. Who knew Grant was such a rebel?

National Sovereignty: America First, Before It Was Cool

Grant’s backing of the Geneva Arbitration wasn’t just about playing nice with the Brits. It was a clever way of asserting American sovereignty on the global stage. By participating in this process, the U.S. was essentially saying, “We’re big boys now, and we can handle our own disputes, thank you very much.” It’s like finally moving out of your parents’ basement and proudly declaring your independence… by doing your own laundry.

The Progressive Plot Twist

Now, imagine if a progressive had been in charge instead of Grant. They might have suggested forming an international committee to oversee every nation’s disputes, complete with a catchy acronym and a flashy logo. It would be like creating a homeowners’ association for countries – because we all know how much everyone loves those, right?

Conclusion: Grant’s Conservative Comedy

In the end, Grant’s support for the Geneva Arbitration turns out to be a surprisingly conservative move. It’s a story of personal responsibility, smaller government, and national sovereignty – all wrapped up in a diplomatic bow. Who would have thought that this Union general would become an unwitting poster boy for conservative values? It just goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected figures can teach us valuable lessons about governance and international relations. And if that doesn’t tickle your funny bone, well, there’s always Grant’s infamous speeding ticket on a horse to fall back on.