As I recall, moving the statues to somewhere more appropriate was actually the plan, at least in some of the cases. Which probably annoyed the Nazis more than just destroying them. I mean, putting them in a museum to educate on the evils of racism? The Horror!
On another note, some research online shows that General Lee, in the five years after the American Civil War and his death, actually opposed memorials to the Confederates, believing America should follow in other nations footsteps and bury the memory of its mistakes. Not sure I agree with his logic myself, but I live in a different age. Still, interesting to see he'd oppose his own statues. Also interesting to note that he opposed the use of the Confederate flag post-war.
On another note, some research online shows that General Lee, in the five years after the American Civil War and his death, actually opposed memorials to the Confederates, believing America should follow in other nations footsteps and bury the memory of its mistakes. Not sure I agree with his logic myself, but I live in a different age. Still, interesting to see he'd oppose his own statues. Also interesting to note that he opposed the use of the Confederate flag post-war.