I. Introduction
Brief overview of Robert E. Lee’s life and military career
Thesis statement: As the top military leader of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War, Robert E. Lee’s generalship, strategies and tactics played a significant role in shaping the military outcomes of the war. Despite fighting for the losing side, Lee is still regarded as one of the greatest generals in American history due to his tactical brilliance and leadership skills. At the same time, Lee’s decision to fight for the Confederacy remains controversial to this day given that he led the forces defending the institution of slavery.
II. Early life and career
Robert E. Lee’s family heritage and upbringing in Virginia
His education and entry into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Distinction as military officer in U.S. Army prior to Civil War, serving in the Mexican-American War and other campaigns
Resignation from U.S. Army in 1861 over his loyalty to Virginia after it seceded from the Union
III. Strategy and early victories as Confederate commander
Appointment as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1862
Strategy of maneuvering to defeat numerically superior Union armies while avoiding attrition
Victories against larger Union armies at the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg in 1862-1863
Bold invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania seeking to shift war out of Virginia in 1862 and 1863
IV. Strategy for achieving Southern independence
Lee’s strategic vision of exhausting Northern morale and achieving foreign recognition for the Confederacy through continued military success
Belief that a short, decisive campaign in the North could help achieve these strategic objectives
Assessment of Lee’s strategic thinking and how realistic his strategy was for achieving Confederate independence
V. Gettysburg campaign and defeat in 1863
Overview of Lee’s offensive campaign into Pennsylvania in June 1863 seeking another victory
The Battle of Gettysburg from July 1-3, 1863 and Lee’s multiple failed attempts to defeat the Army of the Potomac
Significance of Confederate defeat at Gettysburg and criticisms of Lee’s handling of the campaign
VI. Struggles on the defensive in 1864
Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s strategy of continuously pressing Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in 1864
Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor that Winter where Grant’s superior numbers wore down Lee’s forces
Siege of Petersburg beginning in June 1864 that tied down much of Lee’s army for rest of the year
Assessment of Lee’s performance facing Grant’s new strategy of attrition and continual assaults
VII. Surrender at Appomattox
Lee’s efforts to break the siege of Petersburg in Spring 1865 and his retreat from Richmond
Pursuit by Union forces under Grant and skirmishing during Lee’s retreat
Surrender of what remained of the Army of Northern Virginia to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War
Terms of surrender and Lee’s farewell address to his men at Appomattox
VIII. Legacies of Robert E. Lee
Mixed assessment of Lee as both a brilliant tactician but controversial figure for fighting to defend slavery
Arguments presented by Lost Cause supporters emphasizing Lee’s character and commitment to reconciliation
Lee’s post-war life advocating for healing divisions and his presidency at Washington College
Continued debates over Lee’s legacy and monuments in the modern era
IX. Conclusion
Restatement of thesis on Lee’s generalship shaping outcomes of the Civil War
While fighting for the losing side, assessment of Lee as one of the greatest American generals in history
His legacy remains complex given his defense of the Confederate cause to maintain slavery