The Decision that Changed History: Robert E. Lee and the Union Command

Robert E. Lee, a name that resonates deeply in American history, made a decision that would alter the course of the American Civil War. This article explores the momentous event when he was offered the command of the Union Army but chose to resign his commission and support his home state, Virginia.

The Context: A Diverging Legacy

During the early years of the American Civil War, the Union Army was in need of a capable and respected military leader. General Winfield Scott, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army, saw in Robert E. Lee a man fit for the role. Lee, who had served the U.S. Army with distinction since 1829, would have been an ideal candidate for leading the Union forces.

The Offer and the Dilemma

On March 9, 1861, General Winfield Scott met with Lee to discuss the possibility of Lee taking command of the Union Army. Scott believed Lee's leadership would provide the Union with the much-needed stability and direction it required to triumph in the war. However, Lee faced a challenging decision. Remaining in the Union meant opposing his home state, Virginia, which had recently seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America.

The Decision and Its Aftermath

Lee's decision, to resign his commission and join the Confederate forces, is one of the most significant in American military history. His choice was not made lightly. In a letter to his wife, Mary Anna Lee, Lee wrote, 'After long and careful consideration, I have decided to submit my name to the President for a command in the Army of the Confederacy.

This decision had profound implications, not only for Lee's personal legacy but for the entire course of the Civil War. As the Commanding General of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, Lee would lead the Confederates to several notable victories, such as the First and Second Battles of Bull Run and the Battle of Fredericksburg. His tactical brilliance and leadership would play a crucial role in the early stages of the war before the Union forces gained the advantage.

The Significance in Modern Context

Today, Robert E. Lee is a complex figure in American history, often celebrated as a military genius and accused of being a symbol of slavery and racism. His role as a decision-maker during the Civil War has been a subject of much debate. Critics argue that Lee's decision to support his home state, even knowing it meant going against the Union, shows a lack of loyalty to the nation. However, proponents argue that the decision was one of survival and personal allegiance to one's state, a concept that was prevalent during the early modern period in American history.

The Legacy of Robert E. Lee

The legacy of Robert E. Lee is a subject of great interest and discussion. His military achievements during the Civil War, particularly as the Confederate General, are indisputable. However, his decision to support Virginia, his home state, during a time of national crisis remains contentious. Lee's resignation from the Union Army and his subsequent command of the Confederate forces have been studied by historians for over a century, offering valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and the personal choices that impact historical events.

Conclusion

The decision that Robert E. Lee made in 1861 to reject the command of the Union Army and instead lead the Confederate forces has left a lasting impact on American history. His story is a compelling case study in leadership, personal allegiance, and the complex nature of historical decision-making.