The death of Georgia governor-elect Eugene Talmadge in late 1946 launched a constitutional crisis that ranks as one of the most unusual political events in U.S. history: the state had three active governors at once; each claiming that he was the true elected official.This is the first full-length examination of that episode; which wasn’t just a crazy quirk of Georgia politics (though it was that) but the decisive battle in a struggle between the state’s progressive and rustic forces that had continued since the onset of the Great Depression. In 1946; rural forces aided by the county unit system; Jim Crow intimidation of black voters; and the Talmadge machine’s “loyal 100;000†voters united to claim the governorship.In the aftermath; progressive political forces in Georgia would shrink into obscurity for the better part of a generation. In this volume is the story of how the political; governmental; and Jim Crow social institutions not only defeated Georgia’s progressive forces but forestalled their effectiveness for a decade and a half.
#439147 in Books University of Georgia Press 2005-09-01 2005-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .53 x 5.98l; .76 #File Name: 0820327808232 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book on the history of race at the University ...By D. AhnExcellent book on the history of race at the University of Georgia and in the state widely as well. It was a thoroughly researched; clearly written; easy to read book that left out nothing. Highly recommended0 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Not well writtenBy MedicguySo I know that this is a very controversial subject and I'm not commenting on that. I'm commenting on how the book was written. I felt like the book wasn't written well and was really boring. I think there are some better sources out there. I don't recommend.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Review...By Darriel D. Bailey Jr.I can say; that the author; Robert Pratt; thoroughly divulged the many ghosts of the integration of the University of Georgia in this book. Pratt successfully recounted the events of that time by not only regurgitating the facts of the event; but he set the mood for the happening; almost like a screenwriter. Without the background information of the time; the facts about the integration of the university would seem out of place; and on a weak foundation. Though the book wasn't filled with pictures; the pictures he did display served the purpose of turning the reader's attention from one phase of the university's integration; to a more modern and progressive phase. Not only does the author expose the "skeletons" in the University of Georgia's closet; he also makes sure that the reader doesn't solely antagonize the university itself. Pratt makes sure that the theme of the time; segregation; stays at the fore front. It would have been easy for the reader to make the university a villain; but just when you're about to; Pratt yanks you back reality; and forces you to rethink your position towards the university. I really enjoyed the book. Not too many historians deal with the back stories of Georgia; much less its universities. This book does that in a quaint; but professional manner. I would recommend this book to any history major on the campus; because it gives a new meaning to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States through forced interaction with the evils of segregation in our back yard.
