Lee was born on January 19, 1807 in Stratford, Virginia. Lee always admired Washington, and was his hero as a youngster. Young Lee decided to become a soldier, partly because of the military tradition of his family. Lee enrolled in West Point Military Academy and graduated 2nd in his class in 1829. Lee majored in military engineering and supervised several army projects, he was named Second Lieutenant in the Corp engineers. His devotion and hard work in supervising harbor improvements in Saint Louis got him promoted to Captain in 1838.

As a captain, his first experience in actual battle was in the Mexican War. He served under General Winfield Scott, and was the best engineer in General Scott's campaign. Lee's actions at the battles of Cerro Gordo, Churubusco, and Chapultepec received many high praises and earned him a reputation. Gene

As much as Lee had supported the Union, he couldn't bear the sight of union soldiers invading and destroying his hometown. Lee had thought over this matter for days, and finally decided to resign from the union forces and offer his help to the confederacy. When Lee reached Richmond, Virginia had succeeded and they had appointed Lee commander of Virginia Military forces.

In the spring of 1863, Lee sent Stonewall Jackson to attacked the union forces from the right while Lee led a frontal attack. Lee wanted to divide the union forces into two and destroy them at Chancellorsville, he did so and gave the south another major victory. But the remaining union forces managed to withdraw across the river. After Chancellorsville, Lee began an offensive movement, hoping to win the war. He decided to invade Pennsylvania. Lee moved his forces up and was confronted by union forces at Gettysburg in s three day battle. Lee threw strong attacks at the union forces, but was repulsed with heavy losses. The battle of Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in North America. He was criticized for attempting an impossible battle, the union forces had and advantageous position and more men.

The union government retreated General McClellan's forces back up to Northern Virginia where they will regroup with General Pope's forces. Lee, receiving word of this plan, hurried his forces to meet pope before McClellan. Again, he took the risk of only leaving a small force behind to guard the city. He was successful in crushing Pope's forces. Lee had pushed Pope's forces back to Washington, and had decided to invade the state of Maryland. McClellan moved his forces to meet Lee, and the two forces clashed in the battle of Antietam. McClellan attacked Lee but failed to break

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Approximate Word count = 1207
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)