On this day in history: February 18

February 18, 1861

On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. This pivotal event marked the formal commencement of the Confederacy, a government formed by Southern states that had seceded from the United States in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's election. The inauguration took place in Montgomery, Alabama, which served as the initial capital of the Confederacy before it was later moved to Richmond, Virginia.

The Road to Inauguration

The formation of the Confederate States of America was a consequence of deep-seated tensions between the Northern and Southern states, primarily over the issue of slavery. The election of Abraham Lincoln, a Republican known for his anti-slavery stance, was seen as a direct threat to the Southern way of life, prompting a wave of secession among Southern states.

By February 1861, seven states-South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas-had seceded from the Union and established a new government. Jefferson Davis, a Mississippi senator and former U.S. Secretary of War, was chosen as the provisional president by a congress of the seceding states.

Selection of Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis was a logical choice for the presidency of the Confederacy. He was a West Point graduate, a Mexican-American War veteran, and had extensive political experience. Despite his initial reluctance to accept the role, feeling that his talents may be better served in a military capacity, Davis ultimately agreed to lead the fledgling nation. His leadership was seen as critical to unifying the seceded states and establishing a functioning government.

The Inauguration Ceremony

The inauguration ceremony was a solemn and dignified affair, reflecting the gravity of the moment. Held on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Davis delivered his inaugural address to a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters. In his speech, Davis emphasized the principles of the Confederacy, particularly states' rights and the right to self-governance. He sought to justify the secession as a necessary action for preserving the liberties and values of the Southern people.

Key Themes of the Address

Davis's address struck a conciliatory tone towards the North, expressing hope for a peaceful relationship between the Confederacy and the Union. He articulated the Confederate cause as one rooted in the desire for independence and self-determination. Davis also highlighted the historical and constitutional justifications for secession, pointing to the voluntary nature of the Union and the rights of states to withdraw from it.

Yet, underlying his speech was a steely resolve to defend the Confederacy's sovereignty, should it be challenged. Davis's rhetoric was designed to inspire confidence among the Southern populace and to signal to the world that the Confederacy was a legitimate and determined nation.

Aftermath and Legacy

Jefferson Davis's inauguration was a defining moment in American history, setting the stage for the Civil War that would soon follow. The Confederacy's commitment to its cause was underscored by Davis's leadership, though his presidency would be marked by the immense challenges of leading a nation at war. Despite the eventual defeat of the Confederacy, the inauguration of Jefferson Davis remains a significant historical event, emblematic of the intense sectional divisions and the enduring struggle over states' rights and federal authority.

In retrospect, the inauguration of Jefferson Davis is a poignant reminder of the turbulent times that shaped the United States, offering insights into the motivations and aspirations of the Confederate states. It serves as a historical touchstone for understanding the complexities and consequences of the Civil War, a conflict that continues to influence American society and politics to this day.