What was Confederate General Robert E Lee's basic theory on conducting warfare?

Answer 1

The basic principle that drove Robert E. Lee's theory on warfare was to always take the tactical initiative. This was most profoundly seen at the Battle of Antietam. There Lee, outnumbered, had the time to take the tactical initiative by placing his forces in a tactical defensive position. By arriving at Sharpsburg before McClellan's Army of the Potomac, Lee was able to set up his defense in such a manner as to have the tactical control of the battlefield. This forced McClellan to plan his attack on the basis of what Lee had forced him to do.He also attempted to take the tactical initiative at Gettysburg. Meade, in fact had to chase Lee up into Pennsylvania. There, unlike Antietam, there was no technical draw. He lost the battle and had to retreat.