Transcript Robert E. Lee, a prominent Virginian, began his prime military

Although the following
powerpoint is a good
study tool, we HIGHLY
recommend that you read
the author bios on pages
366 and 369.
Abraham Lincoln was the
stereotypical rags-to-riches
President, who rose from being
born in the bathtub of a
Kentuckian log cabin to the
prestigious position of
President of the United States.
However, Lincoln rose to power at a
quite inconvenient time. In the year
1861, the United States was a country
held together by the lone thread of
weak compromise produced by the
aging protectorate composed of
Senator Henry Clay, Senator John C.
Calhoun, and Senator Daniel Webster.
Lincoln’s election brought on the
first of eleven secessions of the
Confederate States of America,
beginning with South Carolina.
Robert E. Lee, a prominent
Virginian, began his prime military
career as a succeeding staff officer
during the Mexican War. His
outstanding performance led to him
being chosen to lead the Union
Army as Commander for the
looming Civil War.
Despite the impressive
status of Commander of the
Union Army, Lee had internal
conflicts over invading his
native lands. Contrary to
what was expected of him
because of his opposition of
secession, Lee declined the
offer.
Due to his deep Virginian
roots, Lee joined the
Confederate Army and
eventually rose to
Commanding General of the
Confederate Army of the
Confederate States of
America.
Unlike his contemporary
opponent, Lincoln, Lee was
admired on the whole and his
war strategies were virtually
never questioned.
In the opening statement of
the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln
openly broadcasts his dislike
towards the fact that his United
States were united no more.
One can easily grasp
from Lincoln’s Gettysburg
Address that he was by and
large opposed to the
Southern succession.
Robert E. Lee clearly states in
his letter that he is against a
dissolution of the Union, as it would
lead invariably to war.
However, Lee believes that the
North has acted unfairly against
the South. He also emphasizes
that he is willing to defend
individual states’ rights at all costs.
Ironically for the military man,
Lee speaks most strongly against
civil war in general, whether for or
against secession. He says that he
is willing to fight for no reason but
to defend his native state.