Which leader was most directly affected by Virginia’s secession at the start of the Civil War?

Robert E. Lee was a Virginian and a senior U.S. Army officer when Virginia seceded in 1861. He then resigned his commission and chose to serve Virginia and the Confederacy, making the state’s secession directly affect his military career and allegiance. The other leaders were not as directly tied to Virginia’s decision.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.