Robert E Lee's Role In The Civil War

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Robert E. Lee
Emma Hwang

Overview: Robert E. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford Virginia. He was a respected general in the Civil War for the Confederate States of America.

Early Lifetime: He was a Confederate General who led forces against the Union Army in the American Civil War. Also, the E. in Robert E. Lee stands for the name Edward. Robert’s father, Colonel Henry lee, also known to the name “Light Horse Harry,” served as a cavalry leader during the Revolutionary War. This means he was a horseman. He was known as a hero in the Revolutionary War and got praise form General George Washington. Inspired by his father, he turned 18 and enrolled at West Point Military Academy. He was 1 out of 6 cadet in his class to graduate without a single demerit. He graduated, married Mary Custis and had seven children. Three sons: Custis, Rooney, and Rob. Four daughters: Mary, Annie, Agnes, and Mildred.

Beginning Time of his Military Career: In 1864, Lee served under General Winfield Scott in the Mexican-American War. Winfield Scott was so impressed with him and his contributions to the victory, he said if they ever
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When he declined, he returned home. Lee agreed to command the Confederate forces after Virginia seceded from the Union. Lee proved himself a true leader in May of 1861. This is when he pushed back the Union Army in Richmond in the Seven Days Battle. He also gave the Confederacy an important victory at the Second Manassas, or the Second Battle of Bull Run. However, downfall hit when 14,000 of his men were wounded, captured, or killed in Antietam. As you know Antietam was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Lee’s forces suffered another round of heavy falls at the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle almost destroyed his army. Ulysses S. Grant had gained the upper hand in the war and eventually Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox,