S.D. - Objective E

E. Both Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln were able leaders; however, Lincoln’s term as a president went much more smoothly than Davis’.  Davis was not personally popular, often disagreed with the Confederate Congress, and defied rather than led public opinion.  On the other hand, Lincoln thought that it was necessary he have both Congress’ and the people’s support during the war.  He made decisions carefully to ensure continued support.  Davis was up against the states’-righers who crippled his authority while Lincoln had no such opposition.  Lincoln enjoyed a long-established government, financial stability, an economic boom, and a greater number of strengths than the South.  On the other hand, Davis suffered from a newly-formed government, financial and economic instability, and a number of devastating weaknesses.  Lincoln’s flexibility proved to be better than Davis’ experience.  The key reasons why Lincoln succeeded over Davis was his ability to interpret and influence public opinion, and relax at stressful times.