Would Civil War have ended sooner if Lee took command of the Union Army?

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At first blush, i would say yes, since many of the early Confederate victories were attributed to Lee. However, when you analyze his style of command and the reason for his victories, the answer may not be so apparent.

First of all, he had a lax leadership style, he gave vague commands and let the Corps commanders make the tactical decisions in the field, eg. Stonewall Jacksons achievement in the Shenadoah Valley and his crowning achievement at Chanclorsville.

At Gettysburg, He told Gen Ewell to take Culps Hill/Cemetery Hill "if at all practicable." Ewell was no Jackson, and the missed chance of taking the high ground proved Lee's downfall. Lee's HQ staff was small and his orders were too vague or lax. Without sub-lieutenants the likes of Jackson, Lee proved not to be the great tactician that he's been known for.

Lee blundered on July 3, 1863 by sending 12-15,000 men into entrenched positions and massed artillery over a clear field of fire....

Leading the Union army, with sub-commanders the likes of Pope, McClellen and Meade, (and facing Jackson, Longstreet, Hood, Johnson) i doubt whether the war would've ended sooner under Lee's command.

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Good question....Just my opinion....

Nice examples.

Books on the Civil War