Robert E. Lee

Definition

Robert E. Lee was a prominent Confederate general during the American Civil War, best known for commanding the Army of Northern Virginia. His military strategies and leadership played a significant role in several key battles, establishing him as a revered figure in the South, despite his ultimate defeat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lee graduated from West Point in 1829 and served with distinction in the Mexican-American War before becoming a general in the Confederate Army.
2. He was originally offered command of the Union Army but chose to side with his home state of Virginia when it seceded.
3. Lee's most famous victories include the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Second Battle of Bull Run, showcasing his tactical prowess.
4. Despite his successes, Lee ultimately surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in April 1865, marking the end of the Civil War.
5. After the war, Lee advocated for reconciliation between the North and South, and he became president of Washington College, which is now Washington and Lee University.

Review Questions

• How did Robert E. Lee's background influence his decision to join the Confederacy?
  • Robert E. Lee's decision to join the Confederacy was significantly influenced by his upbringing and personal beliefs. Coming from a prominent Virginia family with deep ties to Southern culture and history, he felt a strong loyalty to his home state when it seceded from the Union. His military training at West Point and experience in previous conflicts also shaped his views on leadership and duty, ultimately leading him to command Confederate forces despite his initial offer to lead Union troops.
• Evaluate Robert E. Lee's military strategies during key battles of the Civil War and their impact on the overall conflict.
  • Robert E. Lee employed several innovative military strategies that had significant impacts on key battles during the Civil War. For instance, at Chancellorsville, Lee's audacious tactics, including flanking maneuvers, led to a surprising Confederate victory against a numerically superior Union force. However, these successes came at a high cost in terms of casualties, and subsequent campaigns revealed vulnerabilities in his strategy, particularly during the Battle of Gettysburg where his aggressive approach ultimately resulted in defeat for the Confederacy.
• Analyze how Robert E. Lee's legacy has evolved in American history after the Civil War, considering different perspectives on his role.
  • Robert E. Lee's legacy has undergone significant evolution over time as perspectives on his role have changed. Initially viewed as a heroic figure by many in the South who admired his leadership and loyalty, modern interpretations have become more complex due to discussions surrounding race and slavery. While some continue to honor him as a symbol of Southern pride, others criticize his commitment to the Confederacy and its cause. This duality reflects broader societal debates about reconciliation, memory, and how history is remembered in America today.

Related terms

Confederacy: The group of southern states that seceded from the Union during the Civil War, seeking to maintain their way of life and uphold slavery.

Union: The northern states that remained loyal to the United States government during the Civil War, fighting to preserve the nation and abolish slavery.

Antietam: A pivotal battle in 1862, known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, which ended Lee's first invasion of the North.