What might have been : Jefferson Davis

Teaching Film Custodians abridged classroom version of a Cavalcade of America television series episode, "What Might Have Been" (season 1, episode 9), which first aired January 21st, 1953 on NBC- TV. The story of Jefferson Davis, future president of the Confederacy, and Sarah Knox Taylor, daughter of the future president of the United States. Young Lieutenant Jefferson Davis is encouraged by Knox Taylor, the daughter of his commanding officer, Colonel Zachary Taylor, to follow his own inclination to become a planter upon completion of his military service, rather than the urging of his older brother to enter politics. In spite of the objections of her father, who considers Davis shallow and conceited, Knox marries him. Davis resigns his commission and takes up the life as a planter. Knox's death enables Davis' brother to reassert his influence and direct him toward a political career, interrupted briefly by his service in the Mexican War, when he wins the respect of Zachary Taylor, now a general, by his bravery at Buena Vista., Recreates various episodes in the life of Jefferson Davis including his marriage to Knox Taylor, his resignation from military service, his political career, and his service in the Mexican War. Explains that Knox's death enabled Davis' brother to influence him toward a political career. Notes that Davis won the respect of Zachary Taylor, his father-in-law, during the Mexican War.