General Order 11

General Ulysses S. Grant’s General Order No. 11, issued on December 17, 1862 (the second day of Hanukkah), during the American Civil War, remains a notable and controversial directive in American history. This order commanded the expulsion of all Jews from Grant’s military district, encompassing areas of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

The context for General Order No. 11 was the tumultuous environment of the Civil War, particularly the rampant black market trade in Southern cotton. Many Northern merchants, including some Jewish traders, were involved in this illicit trade. Grant’s frustrations with the difficulties of controlling this black market and the perceived widespread disobedience of trade regulations led to this drastic action.

The order stated: “The Jews, as a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also department orders, are hereby expelled from the department within twenty-four hours from the receipt of this order.”

The order immediately sparked controversy. It was the most egregious official act of anti-Semitism in American history. Jewish communities were shocked and protested vigorously. One of the most significant reactions came from Cesar Kaskel, a Jewish leader from Kentucky, who quickly traveled to Washington, D.C., to plead with President Abraham Lincoln for redress.

President Lincoln promptly ordered Grant to rescind the order. Lincoln’s stance was clear: he insisted that bigotry had no place in the Union army and that discrimination against any specific group was against the ideals of the United States.

General Order No. 11 has since been scrutinized as a case study in the dangers of sweeping generalizations and ethnic targeting in times of conflict. While it was quickly overturned, the order tarnished Grant’s reputation, particularly among Jewish Americans.

Interestingly, Grant’s later actions as President of the United States demonstrated a marked change in his approach toward Jewish Americans and minority rights. He condemned the persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe, appointed more Jews to public office than any of his predecessors, and was the first president to attend a synagogue service.

General Ulysses S. Grant’s General Order No. 11 serves as a historical example of the perils of collective blame and prejudice, especially during wartime. While it caused immediate harm and controversy, its quick revocation and Grant’s subsequent efforts at reconciliation and support for Jewish communities highlight a capacity for growth and understanding. The legacy of General Order No. 11 is a testament to the enduring American values of inclusivity and religious freedom.