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Today in History: Grant's General Order No. 11 Expels Jews from South

12/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11, expelling all Jews from his military district, which included Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Grant aimed to curb corruption and illicit cotton trade, mistakenly associating it primarily with Jewish traders. This order sparked significant controversy and criticism.

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Story summary

On December 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11, expelling all Jews from his military district, which included Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Grant aimed to curb corruption and illicit cotton trade, mistakenly associating it primarily with Jewish traders. This order sparked significant controversy and criticism.