Delving into Robert E. Lee's decision to fight for the Confederacy, exploring his conflicted loyalties and the weight of historical decisions. Discussing the complexities of loyalty, cowardice, and historical decision-making, challenging common narratives. Highlighting Lee's transition to the Confederacy, his motivations beyond loyalty, and the controversies surrounding his choices.
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Quick takeaways
Robert E. Lee's decision to join the Confederacy was primarily motivated by financial interests and the preservation of slavery.
Lee's loyalty to Virginia was not rooted in familial influences, but rather in personal interests and the maintenance of a slave-based lifestyle.
Lee's refusal to lead a US field army was likely a calculated move to avoid punishment for treason and further his personal ambitions.
Deep dives
Lee's decision to turn traitor is influenced by financial concerns and loyalty to slavery
Robert E. Lee's decision to join the Confederacy and turn against the United States was not purely influenced by his love for Virginia or his loyalty to his family. Contrary to popular belief, Lee's primary concern was the financial well-being of his family, as much of their property and wealth was tied to Virginia. Additionally, Lee's decision was rooted in his support for the institution of slavery. Although he may have expressed conflicted emotions and portrayed his decision as a struggle, it is clear that his primary motivation was protecting the interests of his family and upholding the institution of slavery.
Lee's loyalty to Virginia does not align with his family's nationalist and federalist roots
The common narrative suggesting that Lee's loyalty to Virginia over the Union was a result of growing up in a family of nationalists and federalists is misleading. In fact, Lee's family members were mostly nationalists, federalists, and wigs, and his personal politics did not align with the secessionist sentiment prevalent in Virginia at the time. Furthermore, Lee spent a significant portion of his life outside of Virginia and had limited ties to the state. Therefore, his decision to side with Virginia and the Confederacy stemmed more from personal interests and the preservation of a way of life based on slavery.
Lee's decision to turn traitor contradicts claims that he could not bear fighting against his family
The notion that Lee's decision to join the Confederacy was driven by an inability to fight against his family is not supported by the facts. Many of Lee's family members, including cousins and in-laws, remained loyal to the Union and even fought against the Confederacy. The assertion that Lee could not fight his family does not align with the actions of his loyal family members. Rather, Lee's decision reflects his personal convictions in support of slavery and his desire to protect the financial interests of his own children.
Lee's decision to decline command of a US field army was likely driven by self-interest and avoiding arrest for treason
Contrary to the common narrative, it is plausible that Lee's decision to decline the command of a US field army was driven by self-interest and a desire to avoid arrest for treason. Accounts of the meeting between Lee and Winfield Scott, as well as direct quotes attributed to Lee himself, indicate that he accepted the command opportunity but provided false assurances that he would return after settling his business in Virginia. This behavior is indicative of a calculated decision to protect his personal interests and evade punishment rather than a deep-seated loyalty to Virginia or an inability to fight against family members.
Lee's Decision to Join the Confederacy
Robert E. Lee's decision to join the Confederacy was primarily driven by personal motives, including a desire to establish his own legacy as the George Washington of the Confederacy. While white supremacy and the preservation of his property certainly played a role, Lee's overriding goal was to fulfill his personal ambitions and gain recognition. This decision, marked by personal benefit and self-interest, led to the loss of his property, Arlington, and set him on a path that would define his legacy as a traitor.
Lee's Role in Commanding Virginia's Military Forces
After resigning his commission, Lee assumed the role of commander in chief of Virginia's military forces. His position required him to organize and transform a collection of state militias into a functional army. Despite facing challenges with militias lacking the necessary discipline and commitment, Lee displayed competence in creating a more structured military. However, his efforts were hindered by the misguided enthusiasm of some Confederate supporters and their irrational expectations of imminent victory. Lee's pragmatic approach clashed with the romanticized notion of joining the Confederacy, reinforcing the perception that he was a traitor in the eyes of those demanding unwavering loyalty.
