Who was the President When Jefferson Davis was the Secretary of War?
Jefferson Davis's Journey in the U.S. Government and Beyond
Jefferson Davis, a significant figure in American history, held several important positions in the U.S. government, including that of the Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce. This article will explore who Franklin Pierce was, Jefferson Davis's role as the Secretary of War, and the subsequent events that led Davis to become the President of the Confederate States of America.
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857. He was notable for his pro-southern and pro-slavery views, which were quite controversial at the time. Prior to becoming president, Pierce was a member of the Democratic Party and had a long-standing political career.
Jefferson Davis and the U.S. Secretary of War
Jefferson Davis, a prominent militant in the Democratic Party, served as the U.S. Secretary of War under President Pierce. Davis took office in 1853 and served until 1857. During his tenure, Davis held a pivotal position in the government, overseeing military matters and defense strategies.
The trajectory of Jefferson Davis
After his service as Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis continued his political career. He was elected as a Senator from Mississippi in 1857, serving until 1861. While in the Senate, Davis maintained a strong stance on southern interests and pro-slavery policies.
The Civil War and Jefferson Davis's Defection
As tensions between the North and South escalated, Davis became increasingly involved in the secessionist movement. When Mississippi and several other southern states seceded from the Union, Davis responded by resigning from the Senate and turning his attention to the newly formed Confederate States of America.
The Confederacy and Jefferson Davis's Presidency
In 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected as the President of the Confederate States of America, becoming the first and only president of the Confederacy. This decision ultimately led to the American Civil War, as the Confederacy and the Union engaged in a prolonged and brutal conflict.
Post-Civil War and Rehabilitation
Following the defeat of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis was arrested and spent some time in prison. However, he was never formally charged with treason or other crimes. Davis was eventually released, and he dedicated the rest of his life to practicing law in New Orleans. In later years, he encouraged southerners to be loyal to the Union, reflecting a change in his political stance.
Conclusion
The journey of Jefferson Davis from the U.S. Secretary of War to President of the Confederate States of America is a complex and multifaceted story that reflects the deep divisions within American society. Despite his role in the secession and the Civil War, Davis's life after the conflict highlights his evolution as a political figure who sought reconciliation and unity in the post-war era.