Why do you think Alexander Stephens is more concerned after the war to focus attention on constitutional issues rather than on slavery?

Answer 1

There are a few possible reasons why Alexander Stephens might have been more concerned with focusing attention on constitutional issues rather than on slavery after the war. It's important to note that Stephens was the Vice President of the Confederate States of America and a staunch supporter of slavery, so his motivations may have been somewhat self-serving and aimed at preserving the ideology he believed in. However, there are additional factors that could have influenced his shift in focus:

1. Preservation of states' rights: Stephens was an ardent advocate for states' rights, which was a key tenet of the Confederate ideology. After the Civil War, he may have realized that the South's defeat had weakened the states' ability to assert their sovereignty. By emphasizing constitutional issues, he could have been aiming to safeguard the power and independence of states against encroachments by the federal government.

2. Promoting unity and reconciliation: The war had caused immense division and bitterness between the North and the South. Stephens may have recognized the need to heal these wounds and restore unity within the nation. Focusing on constitutional issues, which affected all states, could have been an attempt to rally support and build bridges with former Union states, with the aim of fostering national reconciliation.

3. Protecting the interests of former Confederates: After the war, many former Confederates faced harsh penalties and restrictions as a result of their involvement in the rebellion. By shifting attention towards constitutional issues, Stephens might have been attempting to redirect public opinion toward broader issues that affected all citizens, rather than focusing on the specific actions and motivations of Confederate leaders.

4. Justifying the Confederate cause: By emphasizing constitutional issues rather than slavery, Stephens could have been trying to reshape the narrative around the Civil War and the Confederacy. Arguing that their secession was rooted in constitutional grievances, rather than the defense of slavery, would have allowed him to present the Confederacy in a more favorable light, thereby minimizing criticism and justifying the actions of the former Confederate government.

It is important to acknowledge that Stephens' concern for constitutional issues after the war should be seen within the context of his prior support for slavery and the Confederate cause. While he may have presented his shift in focus as an attempt at national unity, it cannot be divorced from his previous beliefs and motives.