General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States facts for kids
Quick facts for kids General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States |
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Seal of the Confederate States (1863–1865)
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| The War Department | |
| Style | General |
| Reports to | The President The Secretary of War |
| Appointer | The President
with Senate advice and consent
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| Term length | No fixed term |
| Formation | January 31, 1865 |
| Abolished | April 9, 1865 (de facto) |
The General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States was a very important military leader during the American Civil War. This person was the top commander of the Confederate States Army (CSA) for a short time, from February to April 1865. The job officially ended on April 9, 1865. This was when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Federal forces at Appomattox, Virginia.
Even though he was called "General in Chief," this title described his role. It did not mean he was the highest-ranking general. The seven full generals of the CSA were ranked by how long they had served. General Samuel Cooper was the highest among them.
History of the Role
On January 31, 1865, the 2nd Confederate States Congress decided to create a new position. They called it the "General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States." Just a few days later, on February 6, General Robert E. Lee was chosen for this role. He served as the General in Chief until the American Civil War ended.
General Lee also kept his command of the Army of Northern Virginia. He did both jobs at the same time until April 9, 1865. This was the day he surrendered to the Federal forces in Appomattox, Virginia.
People had talked about creating a "general-in-chief" position as early as February 1862. However, President Jefferson Davis did not agree with the idea. On March 14, 1862, he told the 1st Confederate States Congress that he believed such a general could "command an army or armies without the will of the President."
President Davis himself handled many of the duties of a general in chief throughout the war. He managed military operations and acted as the main commander. Other generals, like Lee (from March to May 1862) and General Braxton Bragg (from February 1864 to January 1865), also helped Davis. They were military advisors and helped lead the armies of the Confederacy.
See also
