Final answer:
General Robert E. Lee is recognized as the military genius whose strategies brought the Confederacy near victory in the American Civil War, exemplified by his management of the Seven Days Battles, his victory at Chancellorsville, and his ability to continue the war even after the Battle of Antietam.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Southern military leader who was considered a military genius and whose strategies nearly led to the South's victory in the American Civil War was General Robert E. Lee. During one of the most pivotal moments, after General Joseph Johnston was injured, leadership was assumed by General Lee. His tenure was defined by significant battles, such as his defense of Richmond during the Seven Days Battles and his victory at Chancellorsville. The battle at Chancellorsville, where he defeated a larger Union army, prompted Confederate leaders to support an invasion of the North. Lee's bold strategies and aggressive tactics were seen as the driving force behind the South's advances during the war.