robert e. lee Essay -- essays research papers

Robert E. lee side, who was considered to be the greatest soldier fighting for the ConfederateStates of America, descended from a long line of famous heroes. umteen of Lees ancestorsplayed important roles in Americas history. His father was a Revolutionary War hero anda friend of George Washington. He was often referred to as Light gymnastic horse Harry Lee.Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford, Virginia. Lee always admired Washington,and was his hero as a youngster. Young Lee decided to bring forth a soldier, partly because ofthe military tradition of his family. Lee enrolled in West Point Military Academy andgraduated 2nd in his class in 1829. Lee majored in military engineering and supervisedseveral army projects, he was named Second Lieutenant in the Corp engineers. His devotionand hard overwork in supervising harbor improvements in Saint Louis got him promoted toCaptain in 1838.As a captain, his first experience in actual battle was in the Mexican War. He servedunde r popular Winfield Scott, and was the best engineer in General Scotts campaign.Lees actions at the battles of Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, and Chapultepec received manyhigh praises and earned him a reputation. General Scott claimed that the success of thewar was due to Lees bravery and skills, Lee was appointed the rank of Colonel.In 1582 he was appointed superintendent of West Point Military Academy. under hisservice, James B. McPherson, Phillip Sheridan, and can Bell Hood would graduate from theacademy, soon to be famous. Lee finished his duty as the superintendent in 1855, andserved as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Second Cavalry, stationed in Texas.In 1859, while serving in Texas, Lee was sent to command a group of Marines to suppressJohn Browns uprising. John Brown was a northern abolitionist would believed a rebellionin the south would lead to abolition. He was taken down by Lees forces. aft(prenominal)suppressing the uprising, Lee was called to Washington is 1861. The successio n movementhad begun. Some southern states had left, but Lees own Virginia was still uncertain.As much as Lee had supported the Union, he couldnt bear the sight of union soldiersinvading and destroying his hometown. Lee had thought over this matter for days, andfinally decided to resign from the union forces and offer his help to the confederacy.When Lee reached Richmond, Virginia had succeeded and they had a... ...hrew strong attacks at the union forces, but was repulsed withheavy losses. The battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in NorthAmerica. He was criticized for attempting an impossible battle, the union forces had andadvantageous bewilder and more men.After Gettysburg, Lee pull back back to Virginia for the rest of the war. With the lossof more and more soldiers, Lee had no choice but to start victorious a defensive position. Inthe spring of 1864, General Ulysses let got control of the union forces and decided tobring Lee into northern Virginia and crus h the confederate forces there. Grant rushed toPetersburg, hoping to seize the railroad the was supplying Lee with supplies. Lee hadarrived first and Grant started a siege. In 1865, Grant finally seized control of therailroads and lee retreated to the west. Lee, realizing his loss of men, met Grant atAppomattox and surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia.After the war, Lee was considered a hero of the south, with dignity he accepted hisdefeat and preached to his people the sine qua non of peace and national unity. He laterbecame the principal of Washington college at Lexington. He died on October 12, 1870.