The Perfect Man: The Rise and Fall of Jefferson Davis

Summary

The script narrates the life of Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. Born in Kentucky, Davis had a distinguished military and political career, including service in the US Congress and Senate, and as Secretary of War. His leadership during the war and eventual capture marked a tragic end to the Confederacy. Despite post-war imprisonment and charges of treason, he was never tried and later released, living out his life in relative obscurity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jefferson Davis was a prominent figure in the plantation South, embodying its values of patriarchy and hierarchy.
• 🏰 Davis was born on June 3, 1808, in Christian County, Kentucky, and later moved to Mississippi where he grew up.
• 🎓 Despite initial ambivalence, Davis attended West Point and graduated in 1828, eventually becoming a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
• 💔 His first wife, Sarah Knox Taylor, died from malaria, profoundly affecting Davis and changing his personality.
• 💍 Davis later married Varina Banks Howell, a woman with modern ideas for her time, leading to a complex and sometimes rocky relationship.
• 🌟 Davis served in the US Congress and Senate, and was also a military hero, distinguishing himself in the Mexican War.
• 🏛️ He was appointed Secretary of War by President Franklin Pierce, demonstrating his administrative skills and attention to detail.
• 🔱 Davis was elected as the president of the Confederacy in 1861, during a time when the South needed strong leadership.
• 🔫 The Civil War began with the shelling of Fort Sumter in 1861, and by 1865, it was clear that the South was losing.
• 🏁 Davis was captured on May 10, 1865, in Irwinville, Georgia, and was later imprisoned at Fortress Monroe, though he was never tried for treason.

Q & A

Who was Jefferson Davis and what was his significance in American history?

Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. He was a plantation owner, military hero, and a key figure representing the values of the plantation South.

What were the circumstances of Jefferson Davis's birth and early life?

Jefferson Davis was born on June 3, 1808, in Christian County, Kentucky. His family moved to Woodville, Mississippi, during his childhood where he spent his young manhood.

How did Jefferson Davis's education and early career shape his future?

Davis attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1828. His experiences there, including disciplinary issues and a court-martial, influenced his character and future decisions.

What significant personal loss did Jefferson Davis experience and how did it affect him?

Davis's first wife, Sarah Knox Taylor, died from malaria shortly after they married, which devastated him and led to a significant change in his personality, becoming more sober and serious.

How did Jefferson Davis's political career begin and what offices did he hold before the Civil War?

Davis's political career started when he ran for a seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1843. He later served in the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate, and as Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce.

What was the significance of the Battle of Buena Vista for Davis's military career?

At the Battle of Buena Vista, Davis's regiment played a crucial role in the victory, despite his own injury. This military success contributed to his reputation as a war hero.

How did the relationship between Jefferson Davis and his second wife, Varina Banks Howell, evolve over time?

Varina was a strong-willed and intelligent woman, which led to a rocky marriage with Davis. After two separations, she decided to play the role of a subservient wife to save their marriage.

What were the key events leading to Jefferson Davis becoming the President of the Confederacy?

Following the secession of several states, including Mississippi, delegates from the newly independent states met in Montgomery, Alabama, and created the Confederate government. Davis was nominated and elected as the President of the Confederacy on February 18, 1861.

What was the context and outcome of the Civil War for the Confederacy under Jefferson Davis's leadership?

The Confederacy fought for its independence during the Civil War, which began with the shelling of Fort Sumter in 1861 and ended with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee's army in 1865, marking the end of the war and the Confederacy.

How did Jefferson Davis's capture and subsequent imprisonment impact his life and legacy?

Davis was captured in Georgia in 1865 and imprisoned at Fortress Monroe for two years without trial. His release and subsequent life, including writing memoirs and running an insurance company, were marked by the challenges of his past.

What are some myths and misconceptions about Jefferson Davis that have been debunked by historical research?

One myth is that Davis attempted to escape capture by wearing a woman's dress, which has been debunked as nonsense. Historical accounts confirm that he was wearing a Raglan coat, a common garment of the time.