Jefferson Davis, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Jefferson Davis is one of the most controversial and interesting figures in the American history. He was the President of the Confederate States of America and consequently is often considered to be a traitor. Davis was in fact a leader of the largest revolt in the American history, which eventually lead to the Civil War. This was a dramatic period in the history of the Untied States and it very hard to study and discuss it, as many opinions still exist. However, Civil War and the existence of two United States – Federate and Confederate ones is an important period in our history, which is certainly worth studying.

Early Years

Jefferson Davis was born in Kentucky, just like his major political opponent – Abraham Lincoln, on June 3, 1808. It is interesting to point out that the presidents of two American governments, which were at war, were born not far away from one another. The future Confederate president lived at relatively modest conditions and military career was largely predetermined for him: his father and all of the uncles were decorated veterans, as they served in cavalry during the Revolution. Davis received his primary education at home and later entered Transylvania University in Kentucky. At the age of sixteen, in 1824 he was sent to the military academy at West Point.

Beginning of Military and Political Career

Davis graduated in June 1828 and immediately entered military service as the second-lieutenant. During the Black-hawk campaign in 1831 he took part in several battles. Later on he was promoted and continued service in the regiment of First Dragoons. US President Abraham Lincoln took active participation in the Black-hawk war as well, which is another example of how these to leaders, set at the different sides of the barricades, are alike. Till 1835 Jefferson Davis was in active service, participating in multiple skirmishes with the Indian tribes like Pawnees and Comanches.

I June 1835 Davis suddenly and abruptly resigned his military career and turned to civil life. He began a life of peaceful farmer in Warren County, but seemed to be dissatisfied with the slow and predictable lifestyle and kept preparing for a public life. In 1843 he started a political career, being sent to the Democratic convention. His speeches aw well as intelligence impressed the public in a very positive way. These were the times when he first expressed his ideas of the protection from the federal encroachment that some states required. This position helped Davis enter the Congress as a representative from Mississippi.

These times were vital in the history of American politics, as such urgent issues as the annexation of Texas and the military policy were actively discussed. During the lengthy disputes in Congress, Davis earned a reputation of a true patriot, who dreamed of the glorious future for the Union. In 1846 Mexican War broke out and Jefferson Davis decided to leave his position of a congressman, returned to Mississippi, where he was elected as a colonel of the First Mississippi regiment of rifleman. This squad fought at the Monterey battle in September 1846 and in the Buena Vista actions. Davis’s well-planned actions, bravery and tactical skill was praised by several general and President Polk appointed him brigadier-general. He, however denied, as it was the violation of the state’s right. Only the governor of the state could make such appointments and federal intrusion was unconstitutional. This fact demonstrates that Davis’s attitude towards federalism remained generally same throughout his life.

In August 1847 Jefferson was appointed to the senate by the governor of Mississippi and later reelected to a full term. Senators discussed the slavery issues actively, but could hardly come to any conclusion, as the radicals from the northern states did not accept any ideas that did not entirely abolish slavery. Davis proposed a plan that would possibly save the union – divide the territory of the country into several sectors, in some of which slavery was to be announced illegal, in others – regulated by a set of laws. The idea, however, was rejected by the majority of senators.

Future leader of the separatists was reelected to the Senate in 1857 and took active part in a commission that had to determine the state of the country – there was little unity in those days, as some states longed for greater independence, while other advocated for more centralization. After several weeks of work that commission announced it failed to come to any conclusion and the tension grew. It was clear that the Southern states were seriously considering leaving the union. Davis gave a number of speeches, advocating for greater unity. Surprisingly, the future Confederate President tried his best to keep the Union together. At the same time, he kept saying that theoretical right for secession had to remain. He viewed the US as a alliance of free states that acted together to achieve the common goals. If, however, the people of one state wished to leave the union, they had to have a chance to do so.

Confederate President

On January 10, 1861 Davis made his famous speech, standing for the right of secession, but saying that force was not the way to resolve the conflict. A day before, on January 9 Mississippi chose to leave the Union. Having heard this news, Jefferson immediately abandoned his post and headed home. Before he even reached his destination point, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Mississippi army, in the rank of major-general. He remained at this position for a relatively short period of time, as on February 9, 1861 the provisional congress in Montgomery elected him the President of the Confederate States of America

At this post he did a lot to reinforce the southern armies and the fact that the war lasted for over four years was the result of his action. He certainly made a lot of mistakes and found it difficult to choose and appoint military commanders. Davis, however, is never described as a cruel person or a tyrant. After the defeat of Confederation he was captured by the Federal troops. He was held imprisoned for several years and even convicted of treason, but prosecution dropped the case relatively fast. Davis was soon released and the case was annulated in 1869.

Conclusion

In the end of Civil War Jefferson Davis was hated by most Americans in both South and North. By the end of the century, however, he was celebrated as one of the brightest and most respected politicians of the Confederate era. His story is complicated and dubious, just like the epoch he lived in. Some may agree with his positions, others may not. One fact can not be denied – this historical figure deserves a fair judgment.  Jefferson Davis was a true patriot of his country, but saw its future differently. He dreamed of more independence to the states and less dictate from the central government. This leader despised war and only entered the conflict because his home state was at danger. History is always written by the winning side, but it does not mean that we should not respect the ones that lost, even if their position is different from ours.

Works Cited

Nystrom, J. The Death and Resurrection of Jefferson Davis. Journal of Southern History, Vol. 72, 2006.

“Jefferson Davis” retrieved April 10, 2009 from: http://www.jeffersondavis.net/

“Jefferson Davis Biography” retrieved April 10, 2009 from: http://www.civilwarhome.com/jdavisbio.html