Jefferson Davis’ The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, Volume II continues his extensive defense of the Confederate cause and provides his reflections on the outcome of the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and the broader implications for American government and society. Published in 1881, this volume serves as Davis’ attempt to justify the Confederate rebellion and criticize the Union’s actions, while also documenting the post-war struggles of the South.
Key Themes and Arguments
The Fall of the Confederacy
Davis discusses the final years of the war, detailing the Confederate army’s decline and ultimate defeat. He attributes much of the South’s loss not to any inherent flaws in its cause, but to external factors such as the Union’s superior numbers, economic resources, and naval blockade. He also criticizes certain Confederate generals and leaders for their strategic mistakes but remains steadfast in his belief that the Confederacy fought honorably and was overwhelmed by sheer force rather than any moral or political failing.
Lincoln’s Assassination and the End of the War
Davis comments on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, expressing disapproval of the act but also arguing that Lincoln’s death allowed for an even harsher Reconstruction policy under his successor, Andrew Johnson, and later, the Radical Republicans. He portrays Lincoln as a tyrant whose policies were unconstitutional, but he also acknowledges that his assassination further complicated the post-war reconciliation process.
Davis’ Arrest, Imprisonment, and Trial
A major focus of Volume II is Davis’ own experience following the war. Captured in May 1865, he was imprisoned for two years at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He describes his treatment as unjust and inhumane, emphasizing that he was held without trial and that the federal government sought to make an example of him. Ultimately, he was released on bail in 1867, and charges of treason were later dropped. Davis argues that his imprisonment was part of the broader Northern effort to punish and suppress the South.
The Radical Reconstruction Era
One of Davis’ most forceful arguments in this volume is his denunciation of Reconstruction. He portrays it as an oppressive period in which the federal government trampled on the rights of Southern states, imposed military rule, and allowed what he viewed as corrupt Republican governments to take control. Davis particularly criticizes the enfranchisement of formerly enslaved people, arguing that it led to misgovernment and social disorder. This reflects the broader “Lost Cause” ideology that sought to delegitimize Reconstruction and frame it as a time of federal overreach rather than an effort to secure civil rights.
The Question of States’ Rights and Federal Overreach
Davis reiterates his belief that the Confederacy was justified in its secession because the federal government had overstepped its constitutional limits. He argues that, rather than preserving the Union, the war destroyed the original constitutional framework by elevating federal authority over state sovereignty. He warns that this shift would have long-term consequences for American democracy, centralizing power in Washington, D.C., and undermining the principles upon which the country was founded.
The Legacy of the Confederacy
Davis ends the book with a defense of the Confederate cause, claiming that history would vindicate the South and recognize that its fight was not about slavery but about self-government and constitutional liberty. He encourages Southerners to take pride in their struggle and maintain their cultural identity despite defeat. He also urges reconciliation with the North but insists that the principles of the Confederacy were just and should be remembered as such.
Significance and Legacy
Volume II of The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government serves as an important primary source for understanding the post-war Southern mindset, particularly the development of the Lost Cause narrative. Davis’ portrayal of the war, Reconstruction, and federal power was influential in shaping Southern historical memory and justifying opposition to civil rights reforms in the decades that followed.
However, modern historians widely challenge Davis’ claims, particularly his argument that the war was not about slavery. The overwhelming historical evidence, including the secession declarations of Southern states, shows that slavery was central to the Confederacy’s formation and cause. Davis’ book is thus an essential but deeply biased work that reflects the perspectives of the defeated Confederacy rather than an objective analysis of the war and its consequences.
Despite its historical inaccuracies, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government, Volume II remains a valuable document for understanding the ideology of Jefferson Davis and the post-war South. It provides insight into how former Confederate leaders attempted to shape history, justify their actions, and influence future generations’ understanding of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
