The Bourbon Triumvirate Democrats controlled Georgia’s government after Reconstruction. Powerful Democratic leaders, known as the “Bourbon Triumvirate” were Joseph E. Brown, Alfred H. Colquitt, and John B. Gordon. Their goals were: expand Georgia’s economy and ties with industries in the North; maintain the tradition of white supremacy.

Joseph E Brown (1821-1894) He was a member of the Bourbon Triumvirate Elected Governor of Georgia in 1857 and stayed during the Civil War. Was a strong “State’s Rights” Governor Supported the Reconstruction efforts Briefly joined the Republican party during Reconstruction U.S. Senator from 1880-1890 as a Democrat Was head of a company that leased land to the Western and Atlantic Railroad

Alfred H Colquitt (1824- 1894) Member of the Bourbon Triumvirate Member of the Georgia Secession Convention in 1861 Georgia’s governor 1876-1882 While governor reduced state’s war debts Helped Georgia approved new state constitution in 1877 U. S. Senator 1883- 1894

John B Gordon (1832- 1904) Member of the Bourbon Triumvirate Outspoken opponent of Reconstruction Leader of the Georgia KKK Head of the Western & Atlantic RR Elected governor in 1886 for 2 terms Reduced state’s war debt Brought in new industry to the state

Henry Grady (1850- 1889) Known as the voice of the “New South” Managing editor of the Atlanta Journal Spoke on his views of industrialization of the South, diversification of agriculture, and northern investors to help the south. International Cotton Expositions and Georgia Tech. Helped to bring jobs, recognition, and investment to Georgia. Portrayed race relations as changing in Georgia.

International Cotton Exposition 1895 Used to promote Atlanta’s rebuilding and it’s industrial capabilities Lure northern investments into the region Booker T. Washington – The Atlanta Compromise speech – urged African Americans to focus on economic improvement as opposed to political and social rights. Displayed Atlanta as a “Phoenix” – rising from the ashes and established it as the leading city in the New South.

Tom Watson and the Populist Early law and political career supporting poor tenant farmer and sharecropper of both races. 1882 Georgia General Assembly – supported the end of convict lease system and supported public education for all Georgians. 1890 – Farmers Alliance and then the Populist party – lower taxes for farmers Rural Free Delivery Act Presidential candidate in 1904 and 1908 Populist party 1904 progressive views change, become white supremacist Wrote the newspaper The Jeffersonian 1920 elected US Senate – Rebecca Latimer Fleton will replace him.

Rebecca Latimer Felton (1835-1930) She was a write, political activist, and social reformer. Battled with the Bourbon Triumvirate over the convict lease system. Supported progressive causes: abolishing the convict lease system, prohibition, and Women’s Suffrage. With the death of Senator Tom Watson, Ga. Governor, Thomas Hardwick, appointed her as temporary U.S. Senator. The first woman U.S. Senator

Atlanta Race Riot--1906 Sept. 22, 1906: over 5000 whites and African Americans had gathered on Decatur Street Lasted 2 days: martial law declared 18 African Americans killed 3 whites killed Hundreds injured Value of property destroyed very high How did propaganda contribute to the riot? Tom Watson: spread racial fears Hoke Smith: used racial fears to gain votes during the governor’s race that year Atlanta Newspapers: printed story after story of African American violence against whites Effects: City becomes deeply segregated More of an economic divide in African American social class Booker T Washington’s theory of economic success = equality will be proven wrong.

Leo Frank case: 1913/1915 Leo Frank – Accused of killing Mary Phagan. Very little evidence against him but Frank was found guilty and sentenced to death. Frank was convicted of the murder, but his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment by Gov. Slaton Two months later, Frank was taken from the prison by an angry mob, brought back to Marietta, and lynched by a group calling themselves the Knights of Mary Phagan. Resulted in the rebirth of the KKK Nov. 1915: Atlanta preacher William Simmons and 34 others climbed to the top of Stone Mountain, lit torches, circled a burning cross, and rallied

The County Unit System 1917: Neil Primary Act created “county unit system” Plan designed to give small counties more power in state government Smaller counties had more county unit “votes” even though they had fewer voters People could be elected to office without getting a majority of votes Declared unconstitutional in 1962