Regarded as one of the most talented officials in President Davis's cabinet, Judah Benjamin served the Confederacy in several positions, first as attorney general, later as secretary of war, and finally as secretary of state. Benjamin's struggles to administer his various offices during the war were complicated by his personal friendship with Davis, a friendship that led many to accuse the president of favoritism. Further complicating Benjamin's duties was his own heritage. A Jew, Benjamin found himself often battling not only the United States government in his official capacities, but anti-Semitism within his own government. In spite of such bigotry, the widespread use of Benjamin's image on Confederate currencies recognized his contributions and underscored his importance to the southern cause. |
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