General Robert E. Lee

Definition

General Robert E. Lee was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War, best known for commanding the Army of Northern Virginia. He became a symbol of the Confederate cause, leading his troops in numerous battles and earning respect for his military tactics and leadership skills. His strategic decisions had a significant impact on the military conflict, shaping the course of the war and ultimately affecting the nation's history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807, and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1829, where he distinguished himself as an excellent student.
2. Before joining the Confederacy, Lee served as an officer in the U.S. Army, participating in the Mexican-American War and holding various engineering roles.
3. Lee's military strategy emphasized rapid movement and offensive tactics, which led to significant victories at battles such as Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
4. Despite his tactical prowess, Lee faced critical defeats at Gettysburg and during the Overland Campaign, which ultimately diminished Confederate chances for victory.
5. After the war, Lee became a symbol of reconciliation and worked towards rebuilding the South, serving as president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia.

Review Questions

• How did General Robert E. Lee's leadership style influence the morale and effectiveness of the Confederate Army?
  • General Robert E. Lee's leadership style was characterized by his ability to inspire and motivate his troops, fostering a strong sense of loyalty among them. His strategic acumen allowed him to achieve several early victories, which boosted morale and confidence within the Confederate Army. Lee's emphasis on aggressive tactics also encouraged his soldiers to engage in bold maneuvers that often outflanked Union forces, creating a perception of invincibility during certain periods of the war.
• Assess the significance of Lee's decision to invade the North in 1863 and its impact on the outcome of the Civil War.
  • Lee's decision to invade the North in 1863 culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg, which marked a turning point in the Civil War. This invasion aimed to relieve pressure on Virginia and bring the war to Northern soil to potentially sway public opinion against the war effort. However, Lee's defeat at Gettysburg not only resulted in significant casualties but also shifted momentum back to Union forces, making it increasingly difficult for the Confederacy to mount further offensives.
• Evaluate how General Robert E. Lee's post-war actions reflected his views on reconciliation and unity in America.
  • After the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee emphasized reconciliation and unity between North and South, advocating for healing rather than continued animosity. His acceptance of defeat and call for loyalty to the United States demonstrated a commitment to restoring national unity. By taking on a role in education as president of Washington College, he promoted values that encouraged former Confederates to contribute positively to society and aimed to foster understanding across regional divides.

Related terms

Army of Northern Virginia: The primary military force of the Confederacy in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War, commanded by Robert E. Lee.

Antietam:

The battle fought on September 17, 1862, marked as one of the bloodiest days in American history, where Lee's forces faced Union General George McClellan.

Appomattox Court House:

The location where General Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.