Robert E Lee

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Robert E. Lee has been regarded by many historians as one of the greatest American generals and military engineers in U.S. history. He revolutionized the tactic of trench warfare that would be widely used in World War I. Also, Lee was able to defeat much larger Union armies with command of a much smaller force of troops using astute military tactics and strategies. Robert Edward Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford, Virginia to Colonel Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee and Ann Hill Carter. Lee’s ancestors included a president, chief justice of the United States, and signers of the Declaration of Independence. His father, Henry Lee, had served as governor of Virginia and was under command of General George Washington in the American Revolution. Lee’s first formal education took place on a plantation school and succeeded by a private tutor, and he then attended Alexandria Academy. Lee saw himself as an extension of his family’s greatness and proceeded to enroll at West Point Military Academy. He was appointed by President James Monroe at the age of eighteen due to his intelligence, quick decision-making, and his family name and educational background. West Point was considered to be the best military academy in the Americas due to its institution of discipline and outstanding character. At West Point, Lee learned about marching customs, battlefield formations, and principles of war. Lee also became competent in the construction of forts, bridges, and canals. He became was one of six cadets in his graduating class to finish without a single detriment. Lee also scored perfect scores in artillery, cavalry, and infantry. After graduating from West Point, Lee married Mary Custis, the great-granddaughter of Martha and George Was... ... middle of paper ... ...ee arguably became one the most beloved generals in American history. His troops developed an immense sense of respect for him. Lee was able to win large-scale battles with only sliver of the men that the Union army contained. He served in a Civil War, which caused over six hundred thousand deaths, and where thousands of fellow countrymen fought to their death either attempting to preserve the Union or break away from it. He served as a great motivator for the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee eventually fell to overwhelming numbers, lack of resources, but never lost pride in his men. Although Lee fought for the defeated Confederacy, he was admirable during the period of reconstruction. He became the epitome of the quote his father extolled,” First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. Works Cited Wikipedia.org, Robert E. Lee: A Life,

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