Question

prior to becoming president of the confederacy, jefferson davis had
been vice president of the united states.
called for a gradual phase - out of slavery.
been regarded as a moderate on secession.
begged south carolina not to leave the union.
called for the imprisonment of abolitionists.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• The vice president of the US before Davis's Confederate role was not him (John C. Breckinridge was VP then, and Davis was a senator, later Secretary of War). So the first option is wrong.
• Davis was a defender of slavery, not for phasing it out. Eliminate the second option.
• Davis was seen as a moderate on secession initially, as he was cautious about the process, which matches historical context.
• Davis didn't beg South Carolina to stay; he supported secession eventually. So the fourth option is wrong.
• Davis was pro - slavery but didn't call for imprisoning abolitionists as a main action before being Confederate president. Eliminate the fifth option.

Answer:

C. been regarded as a moderate on secession.