Why did the Confederacy name Jefferson Davis as their President?

Answer 1

Jefferson Davis was elected by the Confederate Congress to the office of president by an election held in November 6, 1861. According to the Confederate Constitution the Confederate president would serve a one time six year term. Prior to that time Davis had been appointed by the Confederate Congress as the provisional president.

Answer 2

He was an example of the benevolent slave owner who recognised feudal responsibilities to his slaves and treated them well.

He could also claim a respectable record as a Colonel in the Mexican War and he had political experience Both his military background and his previous role in the Union government as US Secretary of War added weight to his new position as President of the Confederacy.

I am not sure how to bring Jefferson's selection to a community forum.

Together, these two assets seemed to qualify him as the noble figurehead of the Confederacy in the forthcoming combat.

Answer 3

He appeared to embody the Confederate virtues - an air of nobility, a profound acceptance of feudal obligations (he treated his slaves so well, they didn't want their freedom), and a respectable military record from the Mexican war.

But this did not translate into a successful presidency, and he was out of his depth from the start, unable to control either his Generals or his cabinet.

Answer 4

During the Civil War, the Southern states seceded. Because they no longer wanted to be part of the Union, they decided to select their own government. Thus, they needed a president to help lead them into the war with the North, and Jefferson Davis was the man who became the leader of the Confederate States (also called the Confederacy).

The Confederate Congress believed that Jefferson Davis' military education, his position as the US Secretary of War and his political experience made him the best person for the job.

As an aside, Davis had always wanted to be a general.

Answer 5

Jefferson Davis was qualified to be the president of the newly formed Confederate States of America. Among his qualifications were the following:

1. He had served as the US Secretary of War;
2. He was well educated as a military professional having graduated from West Point;
3. Prior to enrolling at West Point, he had attended a prestigious Kentucky university;
4. He had been a lieutenant in the US Army;
5. He was a battle tested commander in the Mexican War;
6. He had served in the US Senate; and
7. In the Senate he was the chairman of the military affairs committee.

Answer 6

Jefferson Davis had experience as a military leader during the Mexican War and experience in politics where he served in the Senate and as Secretary of War.

Answer 7

He didn't want to be president. He was elected and suddenly told that he was the new president. He wrote a letter to his wife saying how much he didn't want the office.

Answer 8

He didn't.

He wanted to be General-in-Chief, but he was 'kicked upstairs' to President, and he didn't like it.