Strategic Leadership, Southern Style: Civilian Statesmen in the Confederacy's War
Abstract
When Jefferson Davis accepted the position of Provisional President of the Confederacy in 1861, he would not go it alone. Just as his counterpart in Washington was surrounded by senior civilian statesmen and professional military officers, Davis too had his Cabinet. This inner circle had duties and responsibilities much like their counterparts today, including advising the President on diplomatic, informational, military, and economic matters that could lead to the South's recognized independence. Of these cabinet officials, the most important for the embattled, wartime Confederacy was the Secretary of War. Six men, both civilian and military, held that crucial position from 1861 to 1865. This Strategy Research Project (SRP) analyzes the relationship between those key senior secretaries and President Davis. Conversely, the paper also examines to what extent he acknowledged and accepted their recommendations. The paper also explores the impact of President Davis's leadership style on the Confederate war effort. Lastly, the SRP gleans insights into enduring civilian-military relationships that are just as applicable today as they were during the Civil War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589311
Entities
People
- Bryan E. Denny
Organizations
- United States Army War College