The history of the United States is filled with remarkable individuals who made their mark in politics, leadership, and society. One such figure is Jefferson Davis. As a key figure in the Civil War and the president of the Confederate States of America, understanding his life and legacy is essential for a balanced view of American history. This article explores how teachers can approach teaching about Jefferson Davis, incorporating various perspectives to give students a fair and accurate representation of his contributions and controversial actions.
Early Life and Political Career
Begin by introducing students to the early life of Jefferson Davis, highlighting his birth in Kentucky in 1808 and upbringing on a plantation in Mississippi. Discuss his education at West Point Military Academy, military service during the Mexican-American War, and political career. Davis held a number of positions including US representative, senator, secretary of war, and eventually taking over as president of the Confederate States.
Emphasize that despite holding significant offices in the United States government before the Civil War, Davis ultimately chose to side with southern states in supporting secession due to his beliefs in state sovereignty and defense of slavery.
The Confederacy and Civil War
Students should understand that although many factors led to the Civil War, one major issue dividing North and South was slavery. As president of the Confederacy, Davis was responsible for overseeing military strategy against Union forces during the war. Discuss key events such as military battles (e.g., Antietam, Gettysburg), as well as political developments like the Emancipation Proclamation.
While it’s important to recognize that Davis played a pivotal role in leading the Confederate forces throughout the war, be sure not to glorify his actions or create biases amongst students. Rather than focusing solely on his military successes or failures, emphasize how his policies affected regular people during that time.
Legacy and Controversy
The subject of Jefferson Davis remains a controversial one and should be approached with sensitivity. After the Confederacy’s defeat in 1865, Davis was imprisoned for two years but never faced trial for treason. Discuss his later writings, which championed the Confederacy’s cause and sometimes downplayed the issue of slavery.
Encourage students to explore the concept of historical memory and how different perspectives exist on Davis’s legacy. Explain why some view him as a defender of states’ rights, while others see him as a symbol of racism and oppression.
Incorporating Primary Sources
To provide students with a firsthand account, consider using primary sources such as speeches, letters, or diaries written by Jefferson Davis himself. This can help deepen their understanding of his perspective on various issues, while also providing an opportunity to analyze biases and context.
