Final answer:
Robert E. Lee was the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the American Civil War, and his leadership was crucial to the Confederate military strategy. Lee's defense of Virginia and his eventual surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox marked the end of the Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert E. Lee and the American Civil War:
General Robert E. Lee was a central figure in the American Civil War, serving as the commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. His leadership in major battles, such as the Seven Days Battles against Union General George B. McClellan, as well as his tactical prowess, made him one of the most notable military figures of the Confederacy. Despite his loyalty to the United States, Lee chose to defend his native Virginia after it seceded and joined the Confederate States of America (CSA). Ultimately, Lee's surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865 marked the end of the Civil War.
Lee's impact on the Civil War was significant not only for his military engagements but also for his strategic decisions which influenced the course of the war. His defense of the Confederate capital at Richmond and commitment to key battles, such as the Wilderness and Cold Harbor, had profound effects on the Confederate war effort. The difficult choice he made, prioritizing his allegiance to his home state over the Union, exemplified the inner conflict faced by many Southerners during the period. As such, Lee is often remembered for both his military genius and the complex moral and loyalty quandaries experienced by many involved in the conflict.