Leadership Evaluations of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis
Uploaded by wiyum9 on Apr 30, 2004
Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, both being incredible leaders, fought for many opposing views during their time. They both became war orientated to lead each side, Lincoln the Union and Davis the Confederates, in order to restore their beliefs. During the Civil War, Davis shows much military comprehension, Lincoln demonstrates his better presidential qualities, bringing both men to differ in leadership through knowledge and beliefs.
Davis is given the role of the military man and followed the rules. He possessed many morals which he entitled himself to never abandon. Davis also proved to be an excellent public speaker, being able to communicate his thoughts in a understandable way. But Davis, however, did not have a great public appeal. Davis’ downfall was shown in his unwavering dedication to his own ideas. He was powerless to free disgraceful officers which greatly narrowed his public opinion.
Lincoln did not have the military background in which Davis possessed, making Abraham a more laid backed persuaded man. Lincoln strove to please the people. He let the public know what they wished to hear in order for him to receive their vote. Lincoln also made sacrifices in order to conserve the Union. He demonstrates this by deliberately going against the Constitution in certain occasions. For example, Lincoln without the consent of congress ordered the increase in the size of the Regular Army. This, however, was necessary in order to preserve the Constitution as a whole. These Unconstitutional acts were done out of the knowledge of Lincoln realizing that the Constitution was created for peacetime, not war. These actions left many angry people, mostly the south, and ultimately saved the Union from becoming split.
Lincoln and Davis were two diverse leaders putting out their own methods of strategy. Davis stuck a lot closer to the Constitution while Lincoln demonstrated his rebellion towards it to preserve what is right in the Union. . Davis received earlier military knowledge by attending West Point Academy. Even though Davis proved to be a great speaker, much better than Lincoln; Lincoln proved to be liked by the people as opposed to Davis who was unable to please anyone.
In times of war, a strong presidential figure is needed to bear the nation through tough times and get to the light at the end of the tunnel. A...