The Path to Success of Robert Edward 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.

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