key term - Howell Cobb

Definition

Howell Cobb was a prominent American politician and lawyer from Georgia who played a significant role in the political landscape of the United States during the 19th century. He was a staunch supporter of states' rights and an advocate for the institution of slavery, reflecting the political issues and sectional tensions that were prevalent at the time. His actions and beliefs exemplified the deep divisions between Northern and Southern states as they approached the Civil War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Howell Cobb served as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1849 to 1851, making him one of the highest-ranking officials from Georgia at that time.
2. He was a member of the Democratic Party and strongly advocated for Southern interests, including the protection of slavery as an institution.
3. Cobb played a pivotal role in the formation of the Confederacy, serving as its first Secretary of the Treasury after secession.
4. His political career included serving as Governor of Georgia, during which he dealt with various issues surrounding states' rights and economic development.
5. Cobb's actions and rhetoric contributed to the growing sectional tensions between North and South, influencing public sentiment leading up to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did Howell Cobb's political beliefs align with the prevailing attitudes towards states' rights during his time?
  • Howell Cobb's political beliefs were deeply rooted in the concept of states' rights, which was a significant issue during his era. He believed that individual states should have the authority to govern themselves without federal interference, especially concerning slavery. This perspective made him a key figure among Southern politicians who sought to protect their regional interests against what they viewed as Northern encroachment on their rights and way of life.
• Discuss Howell Cobb's contributions to the Democratic Party and how this influenced Southern politics leading up to the Civil War.
  • Howell Cobb was an influential member of the Democratic Party, which dominated Southern politics at that time. His leadership helped solidify pro-slavery sentiments within the party, aligning its platform with Southern interests and advocating for policies that protected slavery. This strong alignment with Southern ideals created further polarization between Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats, contributing to the growing sectional divide that eventually led to the Civil War.
• Evaluate Howell Cobb's role in the Confederacy and how his actions reflected broader sectional tensions within America during that period.
  • Howell Cobb's role in the Confederacy as Secretary of the Treasury illustrated his commitment to Southern secessionist ideals and opposition to federal authority. His efforts to establish a financial system for the Confederacy highlighted the urgent need for economic stability in a newly formed nation facing considerable challenges. By supporting secession, Cobb embodied the broader sectional tensions that characterized America at that time, as many leaders grappled with questions about state sovereignty versus national unity, ultimately contributing to one of history's most divisive conflicts.

Related terms

States' Rights: The political doctrine that emphasizes the rights and powers of individual states over the federal government, particularly in relation to issues like slavery and governance.

Democratic Party:

A major political party in the United States that emerged in the early 19th century, which at the time was largely aligned with Southern interests and supported slavery.

Secession:

The act of withdrawing from an organization or federation, particularly the formal withdrawal of Southern states from the Union leading up to the Civil War.