This study examines what influences in Robert E. Lee's early life helped form his moral character. It seeks to determine what character qualities he possessed then that may have influenced his future military service and subsequently serve to inspire his future Army, the men who fought under him, and his new Nation. The study begins with the establishment of Lee's greatness as a military leader by relating what others have said of him prior to and after the Civil War. Next it reviews and documents instances where Lee either stated or demonstrated his moral leadership traits beginning with his years as a student at West Point, and then it reviews the different phases of his formative years from his birth. Throughout, it considers the impact of his family, society, civil schooling, religion, and West Point schooling on his moral growth. Moral character in leaders is recognized as an important ingredient for success on the battlefield. This study seeks to validate the Army's current moral training strategy because strong character centered leadership remains as a key fundamental principle to effective military leadership today.
