Throughout Robert E. Lee’s history, there were many significant things about him like commanding battles and having a wealthy family, but that wasn’t the only thing he was known for, but how he was as a person, and because of his strategic ways throughout his history of commanding. Even though there were many important generals in the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was responsible for the success of the South because he utilized his early life military experiences, succeeded in many key battles in the war, and showed himself as a positive leader and a generous person. Lee was born on January 19, 1807, in Virginia, into a wealthy family, with a military background, because of his mom's side of the family and dad’s history as commander in the Revolutionary …show more content…
(Lee, Robert E). Another battle Lee commanded was the Second Battle of Bull Run, which is known as one of the most decisive battles because of how big it was and because of how brutal it was (62). Additionally, some other battles that Lee led the Confederacy and won were, Battle of Fredericksburg, which had the most soldiers involved, Battle of Vicksburg, also the Battle of Chancellorsville, and the Second Battle of Manassas. As a matter of fact, some battles were lost, including The Battle of Gettysburg, and Pickett’s Charge ("Lee, Robert" 5: 62). Although many battles were stronger than others and was harder to win, some battles were still held inconclusive like the Battle of Antietam, which is the bloodiest day battle. The Battle of Antietam was held inconclusive because Lee’s troops retreated (Holler). On April 9th, 1865, at the Appomattox Courthouse, Lee surrendered and later stopped commanding. After commanding he became president of Washington’s College until he passed away. As stated in a book reference “...Grant’s army broke through the two Petersburg fortifications in the first days of April 1865, forcing Lee to evacuate the Confederate capital and leading to his surrender at Appomattox Courthouse on April 8th, 1865” ("Lee, Robert" 5: 64). This quotation states that Lee was forced to evacuate the battle and why he evacuated the battle. After the battle at Appomattox Courthouse Lee stopped commanding and became president of Washington College. For example, a quote from a book reference to support this is “ For the rest of his life Lee served as an example of reconciliation and leadership for all Americans, working to heal the wounds of the Civil War. He was elected President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia…” ("Lee, Robert" 5: 64). This comment states that after Lee surrendered he went on to be