Monday, December 17, 2012

December 17: Grant bans Jews from territory

On this date in History ..... 1862:

General Grant expels Jews from territory for war profiteering on cotton. 

As Grant worked his way through the South, speculators followed him through the captured territories, buying up cotton at rock bottom prices and selling it for a high profit in the North where cotton was badly needed. When Grant’s father came down for a visit and brought some Ohio friends with him, Grant realized the friends, who were Jewish, were speculators and was livid at the profiteering.  He issued his famous Order #11, banning all Jews from the territory. 

The uproar was swift and loud.  Lincoln ordered Grant to rescind the order immediately. 


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