Were Robert E. Lee and other Confederate Officers who swore an oath to the United States, traitors?

2021-09-08T15:46:49-04:00

This is a controversial topic, it is however not intended to provoke arguments. Given that the removal of the very large statue of General Robert E. Lee from its pedestal in Richmond, VA was carried out today, I'm asking this question because although I know there is certainly a divide in the civilian population regarding the topic, I'm curious if active duty and veterans have the same points of view. Robert E. Lee was a graduate of the USMilitary Academy at West Point and commissioned in the United States Army in 1829. Many other officers of the Confederacy were also West Point Graduates. Is it appropriate to consider those who swore an oath to the United States of America and dishonored that oath, traitors?

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Sep 10 at 2021 7:27 AM

2021-09-10T07:27:25-04:00

An emotive issue. Would Washington, Jefferson, Adams, et al... be considered traitors, having taken up arms against their king? The Confederate States left the union in order to create their own independent nation, there was no call within the Confederacy to, "Bring down the Union". The Union used force of arms to bring the Confederacy back into the Union. Were Lee and his compatriots traitors??? Had they kept their commissions, perhaps compelling the men under their command to rebel, or committing other acts against their oath, yes. But no, they "resigned" their commissions to serve their States, many of who, Lee included, thought this to be a higher calling. Were they right??? To my 21st century mind, no. Were I an adult in 1860 my thought process would be very different. That's the thing about history, static events open to re-interpretation by the present.