Which military leader attempted to invade the Union during the Civil War?

The correct answer is Robert E. Lee. As the commanding general of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, Lee was instrumental in several key battles against Union forces. His most notable attempts to invade the North occurred during the Maryland Campaign of 1862 and the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863.

In the Maryland Campaign, Lee aimed to take the fight into the North, seeking to gain a strategic advantage and perhaps influence Northern public opinion regarding the war. The culmination of this campaign was the Battle of Antietam, which became one of the bloodiest single-day battles in American history. Lee’s ultimately unsuccessful assault into Pennsylvania during the Gettysburg Campaign was a pivotal moment in the war, resulting in a significant defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg. This invasion was critical, as it marked the high point of Confederate military power and a turning point in the Civil War, leading to increased Union morale and the eventual decline of Confederate fortunes.

Understanding Lee's role is essential as it highlights the Confederate strategies aimed at engaging the Union forces on Northern soil, reflecting the broader goals and tactics of the Civil War.