The Real Jefferson Davis

By: Landon Knight

Narrated by: Ron Altman

Jefferson Davis (1808 - 1889) was an American politician who became president of the Confederate States during the Civil War. He took his seat in Congress as the representative for Mississippi in 1847. As a Democrat, Davis was an enthusiastic supporter of the expansion of slavery. In 1861, he resigned from the Senate when the state of Mississippi seceded. During the Civil War, Davis acted as chief executive and commander in chief for the Confederacy. After the war, he was captured and charged with treason. He was imprisoned for two years but was released under the terms of a general pardon from President Andrew Johnson before his case had come to court. In later years, he supported himself with speaking tours and involvement in various business enterprises.

Because of his aggressive advocacy for the continuation of slavery, today Davis is not generally viewed favourably. Many of the memorials to him have been removed in recent years. This disapprobation has obscured Davis' undoubted abilities as a politician and the extent of his influence as a notable public figure of his time.

©Public Domain (P)2025 Voices of Today

voice was soothing and made listening a pleasure

Ron Almans voice was outstanding and easy to listen to. He made it a pleasure and joy to learn about Jefferson Davis.