Alexander Stephens Governor of Georgia Date of Birth: 11.01.1812 Country: USA

1. Biography of Alexander Stephens
2. Political Career
3. Career in the Confederacy
4. Later Career and Death

Biography of Alexander Stephens

Alexander Stephens was born in 1812 near Crawfordville, Georgia. Coming from a very poor family, Stephens was able to receive an education at the University of Georgia thanks to the support of several benefactors. After graduating in 1832 as the top student in his class, Stephens briefly worked as a teacher before pursuing a legal education. He quickly found success as a lawyer and became one of the highest-paid attorneys in Georgia, while also owning a plantation with 34 enslaved people.

Political Career

Stephens' political career began in 1836 when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives. He then went on to serve in the Georgia Senate and later as a U.S. Congressman. Throughout his two-decade tenure in Congress, Stephens represented various political parties, including Whigs, Unionists, and Democrats.

During his time in Congress, Stephens defended the institution of slavery in the South and advocated for the annexation of Texas. However, he opposed the Mexican-American War. In 1858, Stephens completed his congressional term and actively participated in the upcoming secession. He was a delegate to the Georgia State Convention, where the decision to leave the Union was made.

Career in the Confederacy

Stephens was elected to the Confederate Congress and later became the Vice President of the Confederate States. On March 21, 1861, he delivered his famous "Cornerstone Speech," in which he referred to African slavery as the cornerstone of the Confederate political system, arguing that the subordination of one race to another was natural. Despite being regarded as the "strongest man of the South" by Northerners due to his eloquence, Stephens suffered from poor health, weighing over 150 kilograms and having a piercing voice.

In 1865, Stephens led the Confederate delegation in negotiations on the Hampton Roads Conference, which aimed to peacefully end the Civil War. After spending five months in Fort Warren as a prisoner, he returned to Georgia. Although he won the first congressional election held by the state legislature, his credentials were not accepted in Washington.

Later Career and Death

In 1873, Stephens made a successful comeback to national politics when he filled the vacancy left by a senator from Georgia. He remained in the Senate until 1882. In 1882, Stephens became the Governor of Georgia and held that position until his death in 1884.