Lincoln vs. Davis Essay
Davis vs. Lincoln
The management styles of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln greatly influenced the outcome of the Civil War. Lincoln’s primary goal was to preserve the union, and in order to do this, he made certain decisions that were un-constitutional. These decisions ultimately strengthened his role as the president as the war progressed. He even stated in his address that if necessary, he would do whatever it takes to win. Jefferson, in contrast, demonstrated a very loose ruling over the people of the confederacy. He was honest and followed the law without breaking rules. He allowed the war to be controlled by the military leaders who were participants in the battle, and he gave his generals trust and authority. The result of Daviis’s leadership style was an executive branch weaker than Lincoln’s. It is debatable that because of Lincoln’s reckless, un-lawful decisions, the Union was able to win the war against the South.
According to document A, Lincoln had a “blatant disregard for the Constitution.” Throughout the war, Abraham Lincoln increased the Army, spent money without approval and made un-justified arrests. During his presidency he also held opposing political enemies in jail without trial so he could potentially gain more votes. “As he delivered the Gettysburg Address, his troops guarded the polls at a state election in Delaware, insuring a Republican Victory” (Document A). It is interesting to think how Lincoln is typically portrayed as “Honest Abe” and “The Great Emancipator” since he was none of these things.
Jefferson Davis was the honest, law abiding president that most people believe Lincoln to be. He was a very intelligent, great public speaker known for integrity. Unlike Lincoln, Davis became slightly less popular because he refused to remove un-successful officers. His support of state sovereignty was based on deep conviction. (Document A) Davis was a very ineffective micromanager. While the battles raged on, Davis trusted his
The management styles of Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln greatly influenced the outcome of the Civil War. Lincoln’s primary goal was to preserve the union, and in order to do this, he made certain decisions that were un-constitutional. These decisions ultimately strengthened his role as the president as the war progressed. He even stated in his address that if necessary, he would do whatever it takes to win. Jefferson, in contrast, demonstrated a very loose ruling over the people of the confederacy. He was honest and followed the law without breaking rules. He allowed the war to be controlled by the military leaders who were participants in the battle, and he gave his generals trust and authority. The result of Daviis’s leadership style was an executive branch weaker than Lincoln’s. It is debatable that because of Lincoln’s reckless, un-lawful decisions, the Union was able to win the war against the South.
According to document A, Lincoln had a “blatant disregard for the Constitution.” Throughout the war, Abraham Lincoln increased the Army, spent money without approval and made un-justified arrests. During his presidency he also held opposing political enemies in jail without trial so he could potentially gain more votes. “As he delivered the Gettysburg Address, his troops guarded the polls at a state election in Delaware, insuring a Republican Victory” (Document A). It is interesting to think how Lincoln is typically portrayed as “Honest Abe” and “The Great Emancipator” since he was none of these things.
Jefferson Davis was the honest, law abiding president that most people believe Lincoln to be. He was a very intelligent, great public speaker known for integrity. Unlike Lincoln, Davis became slightly less popular because he refused to remove un-successful officers. His support of state sovereignty was based on deep conviction. (Document A) Davis was a very ineffective micromanager. While the battles raged on, Davis trusted his