Marse Robert
Cadet
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2021
Hello everyone, this is my first CWT post. I've enjoyed reading your threads over the past few months and thought I would join in.
I was wondering why Robert E. Lee became (arguably) the greatest tactician of his age almost overnight. From what I understand, he had not commanded troops in battle prior to the Civil War. Likewise, he was trained as an engineer at West Point—not necessarily an indication that he would become a brilliant tactician. I believe he also studied the campaigns of Napoleon while superintendent at West Point, but besides this I am unaware of any information which would suggest Lee would become such an effective commander. Having been dubbed "Granny Lee" by the press, and "cautious" by none other than George McClellan, it seems that no one expected much from Lee prior to the Seven Days.
I'm particularly asking if anyone has any information/insight on:
A.) Who (Napoleon, Winfield Scott, Wellington, etc.), or what experiences (Mexican War, West Point, etc.), influenced Lee's approach to tactics?
or...
B.) Did Lee innovate battle tactics in any way?
I've always wondered why Lee was able to become a brilliant tactician, as most authors seem to take this fact for granted. I'd really appreciate your insights. Since I enjoy reading these threads—the more detail, the better!
I was wondering why Robert E. Lee became (arguably) the greatest tactician of his age almost overnight. From what I understand, he had not commanded troops in battle prior to the Civil War. Likewise, he was trained as an engineer at West Point—not necessarily an indication that he would become a brilliant tactician. I believe he also studied the campaigns of Napoleon while superintendent at West Point, but besides this I am unaware of any information which would suggest Lee would become such an effective commander. Having been dubbed "Granny Lee" by the press, and "cautious" by none other than George McClellan, it seems that no one expected much from Lee prior to the Seven Days.
I'm particularly asking if anyone has any information/insight on:
A.) Who (Napoleon, Winfield Scott, Wellington, etc.), or what experiences (Mexican War, West Point, etc.), influenced Lee's approach to tactics?
or...
B.) Did Lee innovate battle tactics in any way?
I've always wondered why Lee was able to become a brilliant tactician, as most authors seem to take this fact for granted. I'd really appreciate your insights. Since I enjoy reading these threads—the more detail, the better!