Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee was a general for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Known for his aggressive tactics, he twice tried to invade the North.

He was a graduate of West Point and also fought in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). During the windup to the Civil War he stayed loyal to the United States until Virginia seceded.

Highlights of his generalship include Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, where he twice divided his force in the face of a numerically superior enemy. He was also adept at defensive tactics during 1964-65, making the Wilderness and Spotsylvania costly for the Union and drawing out the war into spring 1865.

His decision to surrender at Appomattox instead of resorting to guerilla warfare is notable for its adherence to classical norms and for preventing further death and destruction.

Following the war he advocated for peace and was president of a university in Virginia.