The Great Partnership: Lee & Jackson's Rise to Glory (Part 1)

This episode traces the incredible, glorious partnership between Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson during the American Civil War. It begins with their contrasting backgrounds and temperaments, explaining why they together formed an especially effective command team for the Army of Northern Virginia.

The story then moves to the Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1862, noting how Jackson's rapid movements and attacks fulfilled Lee's wishes perfectly, and built Lee's confidence in Jackson to the point that the two men could work closely together.

The episode next covers Second Manassas, showing how faith in Jackson allowed Lee to divide his army in an attempt to crush Pope. He sent Jackson on a long flank march behind John Pope's forces, leading to the capture and destruction of Union supplies at Manassas Junction. Jackson then held a strong defensive position while Lee and Longstreet struck Pope's exposed flank, forcing a Union retreat and giving the Confederates a major victory.

After that, the focus shifts to Lee's decision to invade Maryland, and how a lost order led to tragedy at Antietam, setting up the next year's great victory at Chancellorsville, and the World WarI-like butchery at Fredericksburg

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CHAPTERS:

0:00 Lee and Jackson United: The Great Partnership Begins

5:57 Seven Days Setback

9:21 Lee Regroups and Attacks Northward as Pope Threatens Virginia

15:42 Lee's Great Gamble, Jackson's Flank March

24:28 Lee, Jackson, and Longstreet at Second Manassas

33:41 Why Lee Invaded Maryland, and Why It Went Wrong