Alexander Stephens

Definition

Alexander Stephens was a prominent American politician from Georgia who served as the Vice President of the Confederate States during the Civil War. His political career and influential speeches highlighted the pro-slavery ideology that fueled the Southern states' secession and the subsequent outbreak of the Civil War, making him a key figure in the conflict's origins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stephens was known for his articulate defense of slavery and states' rights, which he believed were under threat from Northern abolitionists.
2. His Cornerstone Speech emphasized that the Confederacy was built on the idea that African Americans were inferior and that slavery was a natural condition.
3. Prior to his role in the Confederacy, Stephens served as a U.S. Congressman and was involved in various legislative issues, including debates over the Compromise of 1850.
4. After the Civil War, Stephens was imprisoned for a time due to his Confederate role but later returned to politics, serving again in Congress during Reconstruction.
5. His views on race and slavery remained controversial, and he is often referenced in discussions about the moral implications of the Civil War and its lasting legacy.

Review Questions

• What role did Alexander Stephens play in the Confederate government, and how did his beliefs shape its policies?
  • As Vice President of the Confederate States, Alexander Stephens played a crucial role in shaping Confederate policies through his pro-slavery stance and belief in states' rights. His commitment to these principles was evident in his Cornerstone Speech, where he argued that slavery was central to the Confederacy's existence. Stephens' ideas influenced not only legislative decisions but also the ideological foundation of the Southern cause during the Civil War.
• Analyze how Stephens' Cornerstone Speech reflects the broader ideology of the Confederacy and its justification for secession.
  • Stephens' Cornerstone Speech clearly encapsulated the ideology of the Confederacy by asserting that their new government was founded on racial superiority and the preservation of slavery. This speech articulated a vision where slavery was not just a social system but a fundamental truth upon which their society was built. By framing their fight as a defense of these values, Stephens justified secession as necessary for maintaining Southern way of life against Northern aggression.
• Evaluate Alexander Stephens' impact on post-Civil War politics and how his views on race influenced Reconstruction efforts.
  • After the Civil War, Alexander Stephens' impact on post-war politics was significant as he re-entered Congress during Reconstruction, bringing with him his deeply ingrained beliefs about race and governance. His opposition to equal rights for African Americans underscored many Southerners' resistance to Reconstruction policies aimed at integrating freed slaves into society. This tension highlighted broader conflicts in America during Reconstruction, where differing views on race relations shaped political discourse and legislative battles for years to come.

Related terms

Confederate States of America: A coalition of Southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861, seeking to preserve their right to slavery and state sovereignty.

Cornerstone Speech: A famous speech delivered by Alexander Stephens in 1861 where he articulated the Confederacy's commitment to maintaining slavery as the foundation of their new government.

Secession: The act of withdrawing formally from an organization or alliance, specifically referring to the Southern states' departure from the Union before the Civil War.