Robert E. Lee: Early Years, Accomplishments, America's Impact, And Historical Significance

ROBERT E. LEE: EARLY YEARS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AMERICA’S IMPACT, AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Student’s Name Course Code and Title Date Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) is recognized as one of the most influential military officers in the history of American armed forces, who inspired his soldiers to remain bold even when faced with the most difficult challenges. He rose to the ranks of a military general commanding the Confederate army during the Civil War (1861-1865). Tactical brilliance and ability to lead his army to victory during the Second Bull Run (Manassas), the Peninsula Campaign, as well as the bloody Battle of Chancellorsville enabled him to be known as an American military icon (McNeese 2005, 72). President Dwight D. Eisenhower said that Lee was a supremely gifted person and one of the most selfless individuals, both as a person and as a leader (Cobb 2011, 4). He added that as a nation, America was greatly honoured to have to have had its army being led by Lee, for people of Lee’s calibre tend to have unconquerable souls and spirits. This paper critically analyses Robert E. Lee’s early years, greatest accomplishments, impact on America, and his significance to history. Early years Lee was born in 1807 in Virginia and although his family had aristocratic connections, his parents were not wealthy or influential. In March 1824, he was appointed as a cadet in West Port and after a four-year study; he became a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. Joseph Johnston, who was a fellow cadet and would later become a Confederate general, described Lee as an individual with natural superiority, especially when it comes to leadership (Dowdey 2018). Lee managed to combine the attributes of dignity with sympathy, humour, and kindness and this enabled him to combine respect and develop friendship with his fellow colleagues. Lee was a captain during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and during this time, he portrayed his heroism and brilliance under General Winfield Scott’s leadership. He distinguished himself during the Mexican War, particularly in the battles of Churubusco, Veracruz, and Chapultepec (Cowley and Parker 1996). He became a superintendent of West Point in 1952. His performance in the military enabled him to be appointed as a lieutenant colonel after three years when the secretary of war, Jefferson Davis, approved him. During this period, he served in West Texas, leading the newly raised 2nd Cavalry. Although he was slightly wounded during this period, he managed to earn three brevets and became a colonel. His performance made Gen. Scott to describe him as one of the best soldiers he has ever seen in the battlefield (Cowley and Parker 1996). Lee’s leaders acknowledged his exemplary performance and gave him daunting roles while still in the early years of his military career. For instance, in October 1859, John Brown raided the American Arsenal and Amory located in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, while Lee was on leave in Arlington, Virginia (Lee 2008, 22). Together with J.E.B. Stuart, who was a Second Lieutenant, Lee was given the role of commanding the detachment of marines and they managed to seize John Brown and his gang. Greatest accomplishments Although Lee’s performance during the initial years as a soldie...