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essay over lee considered: General Robert E. Lee and Civil War History
Leadership Robert E Lee
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Fighting against the odds, Robert Edward Lee became one of the most beloved generals in American history. His accomplishments have traveled through history as being unmatched by any other American general in history. His respect was earned by a life full of hard work and discipline. He was a leader by example, and would never ask his men to do something he himself would not do; because of this, Robert Edward Lee pushed the limits and became one of the most memorable generals in the Civil War.
The youngest of four children, Robert Edward Lee was born on January 9th, 1807, in a large manor home located in Stratford, Virginia. Son to legendary “Light Horse” Harry Lee, a famous patriot in George Washington’s Continental Army, Lee certainly had the essence of military life flowing through his blood (Tracey 2). Unfortunately, Harry’s performance as a father and a provider fell short compared to his military successes. A few short years after marrying Anne Hill Carter, he depleted the majority of her personal fortune on various defective investments, leaving his wife and three children lacking the necessities for proper care (Casdorph 20). Lee’s mother suffered from a crippling disease for most of her adult life, as Harry’s affluence depreciated, her health deteriorated (Tracey 2). It is said Anne moved her family to Alexandria, Virginia in search of better schools, however she may have been acting on other motives. Alexandria was also home to a couple of Harry’s relatives, including two brothers and a sister. Anne may have hoped their influence would promise a more settled life for her family (Tracy 3).
Robert’s father, Harry, faced many problems in the up and coming years. Quickly, it was apparent that any hope for his recovery was...
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...rt Edward Lee became what no one expected. There are few who have served their country with dedication and commitment as he did. When push came to shove, Lee always had his priorities straight, whether it was being a superintendent at an academy or commanding troops in the field. Without his past, Lee would have amounted to something different entirely.
Works Cited
Bowery, Charles R. Lee & Grant profiles in leadership from the battlefields of Virginia. New York: American Management Association, 2005. Print.
Casdorph, Paul D. Lee and Jackson Confederate chieftains. New York: Paragon House, 1992. Print.
Longacre, Edward G. Lee's cavalrymen a history of the mounted forces of the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2002. Print.
Tracey, Patrick Austin. Military leaders of the Civil War. New York: Facts on File, 1993. Print.
Emilio, Luis F. A Brave Black Regiment: History of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1863-1865 3rd Ed. Salem, NH: Ayer Company Publishers, 1990.
McDowell’s opponent at Manassas was General Beauregard, commanding the 22,000 troops facing McDowell, while at the same time General Joseph Johnston commanded the Army of the Shenandoah with some 10,000 troops. When Beauregard determined that the Union forces were on the way toward Manassas, he asked for help, at which time the Confederate Government sent Johnston east via the “Manassas Gap Railroad,” to act as reinforcements for Beauregard. Their arrival at Manassas at a critical time turned the tide in favor of the South,...
Robert E. Lee was a man whose character caused him to be respected by the North and the South, before and after the war. People on both sides recognized Lee as an accomplished leader who valued personal relationships, bestowed honor on those around him, and displayed devout loyalty. It was said, “these bluecoats were saluting a gallant foe, but also one they wished had fought with them instead of against them” (Marrin 190). Lee exemplified a man of such character, causing him to be appreciated by both friends and enemies
Benedict Arnold was never respected as much as the other generals. Arnold was assigned to be the leader of the Continental Army’s Northern part. He beat the British, and motivated his soldiers without dread. He was a very courageous commander, who had no ideas about his betraying his own country. He tricked the British into thinking that his army was heading to Fort Schuyler. The British was not there, so the Americans could cross the threshold really easily, thanks to Benedict Arnold. In fact, Benedict Arnold did not see the respect that he should have already gotten from the public. The Patriots were show...
General Lee knows that we have inexperienced men and aims at improving the quality of the troops. He upgrades the quality by tightening command and discipline, improving morale, and convincing the soldiers that the confederacy was in full command of the situation. Lee knew that we are lacking, and devised initiatives to nullify the Union’s superiority in manpower, armaments, and supply by destroying their prearranged plans.
Nathanael Greene, although not afforded many victories in battles, was a masterful strategist, soldier and statesman. He was able to successfully employ militia, regular, light and mounted units during his command in the South. He built upon the reputation that he made for himself at the beginning of the war in Boston. It is because of this reputation and his ability to produce results that made him the second most important general in the continental army, next only to George Washington.
Davis, W. (2002). Look away! A history of the Confederate States of America. New York:
Hull, Bradley Z., and Scott J. Allen. 2012. "Using the 5Ps Leadership Analysis to Examine the Battle of Antietam: An Explanation and Case Study." Journal of Leadership Education 245-262.
Earl J. Hess, The Union Soldier in Battle, (Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 1997).
As the United States became divided through civil war in 1861, the Union was in need of a military leader who could carry their Army to victory over the resolute troops of the Confederacy. These demands were met with the unmatched leadership tactics of Commanding Union Army General, Ulysses S. Grant. Grant consistently displayed the values and image of a true military leader. These leadership qualities were displayed both on the battlefield, as Grant commanded Union troops to victory in the American Civil War, and while he served as the 18th President of the United States. Grant was a knowledgeable and skilled military leader, graduating from West Point in 1843 and continuing on to serve in the military until 1854. However, Grant’s military leadership is most clearly characterized through three distinct leadership traits other than his military competence: Firstly, Ulysses S. Grant was determined. Despite how diverse or intimidating the battle or political allegations during his Presidential scandals, Grant did not back down; secondly, Grant was inspirational, and was able to both inspire his men during battle and increase morale of the northern citizens through decisive Union victories; Lastly, Ulysses S. Grant was morally courageous both on and off the battlefield as he made ethical decisions in dealing with the terms of surrender and reconstruction of the South as well as openly supporting and focusing his efforts on emancipation. By possessing these leadership traits, Ulysses S. Grant served as one of the most influential and important military leaders in U.S. history.
Chesser, Preston, Scott Laidig, Thomas Long Jr., Larry Gormley, and Sanders Marbles. "Gettysburg." Ohio State University. . http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/BattleView.cfm?BID=42. (Accessed March 12, 2014).
Lee has had many ups and downs during military career. Because of this, people look to Robert E. Lee as a very good man. He showed loyalty, dedication, and relentless pursue for victory. He truly is a person that you can model your life after and learn some valuable life lessons from him. His courageous and brave lifestyle should be recognized as a prominent figure in United States history. Lee taught people what it meant to be a true American dedicated to make this nation be as good as it can be. He also faced many tough decisions in war whether it was to attack, retreat, or to surrender. Although people make tough decision every day of their life, they don’t compare to the decisions that Lee had to make. Lee’s decisions lead to the death of soldiers in a winning or losing effort. Also his decisions made an impact on the United States.
The three generals that led in the Battle of the Wilderness were very bright generals. Robert Edward Lee (the confederates leader) was born in Stratford hall, VA on January 19th, 1807 and died on October 12, 1870 in Lexington city, VA. Robert was raised by Anne Hill Carter Lee (mother) and Henry Lee III (father). He grew up with his sister Sydney smith Lee. After Robert graduated west point military academy (finished second in his class). He got married to Mary Anna Custis in the summer of 1830. Together they bore 7 kids. Robert was favored to do great things in the military just like his father (“light-horse Harry”). He was part of the Mexican-American war (in 1864) and was a Confederate General for many battles of the civil war including The Battle of the Wilderness. Lee was joined by his horse Traveller.Two days before the first attack started, causing the start of the Battle of the Wilderness, Robert E. Lee had already begun scouting George G. Meade’s troops. On May 4th, L...
He was not "dignified" in the way that General Lee was, though rough and ready, he was always a gentleman, in the best meaning of the word. He was proud of his soldiers and his work, and ambitious to do his utmost for his country. He had so great a faith in the Union cause that he never for a moment lost hope that in the end it would succeed.
McPherson, James M.; The Atlas of the Civil War. Macmillan: 15 Columbus Circle New York, NY. 1994.