Confederate Soldiers' Sentiments Towards General Robert E. Lee: From Despair to Hero Worship
The relationship between Confederate soldiers and General Robert E. Lee was complex, marked by deep respect and admiration during perhaps the most crucial periods of the Civil War. However, this admiration was not always a testament to Lee's military prowess, but rather a reflection of the desperate circumstances in which the Southern soldiers found themselves.
Love and Admiration
During the early stages of the Civil War, the Confederate soldiers' feelings towards General Robert E. Lee were overwhelmingly positive. They viewed him with a sense of love and adoration that went beyond that of a mere military leader. Despite several early setbacks, particularly during the Battle of Cheat Mountain, where Lee was perceived to have exhibited cowardice, Confederate soldiers soon rallied around him as their champion.
The Transformation of Confidence
By 1862, General Lee had returned to active field command. The Confederate forces were in a dire state, having experienced a series of devastating defeats. Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, was under threat from the Union forces led by General George McClellan. Against these odds, Lee managed to salvage the situation, not through strategic genius, but through an ability to rally and inspire his troops. His leadership during the Seven Days Battles against the Union Army under General McClellan is a prime example of this.
Hero Worship and the Legacy of Lee
Lee's performance on the battlefield, while often costly in terms of lives lost, earned him an unwavering loyalty from his troops. Unlike some Confederate commanders who seemed to lose their soldiers at a higher rate than their victories, Lee's troops remained fiercely loyal, even as some began to desert. This steadfast dedication likely contributed to the narrative of Lee as an exceptional military leader.
Despite not always winning battles, Lee was lionized by both Southern and Northern newspapers. He became a symbol of hope and a symbol of the South's resilience. The “Marble Man” myth, a post-war fabrication that idealized Lee as a flawless general, further cemented his status in the hearts and minds of Confederate soldiers and their descendants. This myth is an enduring testament to the way Lee's leadership galvanized the South during one of its darkest hours.
The False Tribune and Misconceptions
Later in his career, Lee's battlefield successes became less frequent. He faced multiple defeats despite having the highest casualty rate among all commanders. Yet, the respect and admiration for him remained, at least until his defeat. Even as the war progressed, Lee continued to be hailed as a hero by those who clung to the idea of the Lost Cause, an ideology that seeks to romanticize and glorify the antebellum South and its way of life.
Remembering and Commemorating Lee
Today, General Robert E. Lee is remembered for his role in shaping the South's narrative during the Civil War. His legacy, however tarnished, continues to influence historical commemorations and discussions. The ongoing reverence for Lee highlights the complexities of historical figures and the ways in which societal narratives can be shaped to fit political and cultural agendas.
Acknowledgment: This article is based on historical accounts and literature. The personal sentiments and opinions expressed by Confederate soldiers and their contemporaries provide a glimpse into the emotional and psychological impact of the Civil War on those who fought.