Jefferson Davis’ First Inaugural address
Jefferson Davis delivered his 1st Inaugural address to the Southern Nation. Much of the speech was
explaining why the South was leaving, seceding, and some of the reasons sounded like the American’s
reasons for leaving England during the Revolution.
1. As a class, what are some of the main reasons the American’s declared Independence from Britain?
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“a necessity, not a choice, we have resorted to the remedy of separation, and
henceforth our energies must be directed to the conduct of our own affairs,
and the perpetuity of the Confederacy which we have formed.”
2. What does the South need a remedy for?
3. What is Jefferson Davis explaining here?
“Through many years of controversy with our late associates of the Northern States,
we have vainly endeavored to secure tranquility and obtain respect for the rights to
which we were entitled.”
4. In what way does this sound like the Declaration of Independence?
5. Can you think of example of how the South endeavored to secure their rights? (Think
State V. Federal issues)
“American idea that governments rest on the consent of the governed, and that it is the
right of the people to alter or abolish them at will whenever they become destructive of
the ends for which they were established.”
6. What is Davis’ saying here?
7. What document expresses this idea?
Allison Bumsted
Monday, February 29, 2016 9:57:50 AM Central Standard Time