Are Civil War Monuments Racist

1. Robert E. Lee is often regarded as being an honorable man, a brilliant military strategist, and because he died just 5 years after the end of the Civil War, was revered by people North and South as being above all the epitome of a true gentleman. That may be why there are so many monuments of Robert E. Lee not just in the South, but all over the country. Based on what you’ve read, does Lee deserve this kind of adoration? If not, why not? If yes, explain why.
2. George Armstrong Custer is regarded by many as being Michigan’s “favorite son,” and he gained fame as a fearless military leader during the Civil War. The statue of Custer that was erected in Monroe in 1910 shows Custer in 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg. Custer and his men played a key role in helping the Union ultimately win that battle against the Confederates. However, after the war, Custer’s career path changed and he became infamous as an Indian fighter. Custer’s fights with various Native tribes were often brutal and bloody and in recent times, he has not been portrayed in a positive light. Based on the article you read, should Custer’s statue in Monroe be removed? Or, since it celebrates a great Union victory against the Confederacy–and has nothing to do with either enslaving blacks or massacring Native Americans–is it really not controversial at all? Use specific examples to support your point of view.
3. Given recent concerns about Confederate monuments and statues, and grass roots protests that have arisen in many parts of the country, what do you feel should be done with them? Are these monuments and statues that were erected to commemorate “the losing side” in the Civil War actually racist? Should they all be removed to other locations (such as museums, cemeteries, battlefields, etc.)? Should they all be destroyed? Should ALL Civil War monuments and statues be removed since the Civil War represented such a painful period in our nation’s history (especially its racial history)? Use specific examples to support your point of view.

Answer these three questions and answer all parts of the question. No plagiarism and no citations. Each answer must be at least 7 sentences.

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