What was the impact of Eugene Talmadge’s political career? One of Georgia’s most charismatic and controversial politicians 20 years of his life were spent in service to Georgia’s government Some saw him as a political hero Others saw him as a racist bully

Eugene Talmadge Early Career Began as Commissioner of Agriculture Farmers & people who lived in rural communities loved him because his policies supported farmers Although he was accused of several illegal acts during his time as commissioner, he served three terms before he was elected governor

First round as governor (1933-1937) Appealed to rural white voters. Promised to cut car tag fees, lower utility rates, and balance the state budget.

First round as governor (1933-1937) Was a very strong executive The General Assembly refused to lower the price of car tags, he did it anyway. When the highway board would not give in to his control, he declared martial (military) law and picked new members Had the state treasurer physically removed from his office in the state capitol building.

Disagreed with FDR and New Deal Openly opposed many parts of the New Deal including minimum wage, Social Security, and unemployment insurance Called FDR a socialist and sought to run against him for president Instead, ran against Sen. Richard Russell and lost

Still popular with voters 1940 – Talmadge ran for governor for a 3rd time and won by telling white voters the New Deal was trying to end segregation.

Talmadge and higher education 1941 – Word spread that some college officials were wanting to integrate state colleges. Talmadge used his power to fire two administrators – the Dean of Education at UGA and the president of the Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern)

Talmadge and higher education The Southern Assoc. of Colleges and Schools (SACS) took away the accreditation (official approval) of white public colleges in the state. Made national headlines. Georgia college credits were worthless outside of the state. Talmadge was defeated by Ellis Arnall in 1942 – the only governor’s election he lost

Everything old is new again 1946 – Talmadge ran for governor – yet again. He did not win the popular vote but won the county unit vote, which meant he won the election. Talmadge died in December before officially taking office and 3 men claimed to be governor

According to the state constitution who should be the next governor? Newly elected Lt. Governor Melvin Thompson Outgoing Governor Ellis Arnall Elected by the Gen. Assembly Governor Herman Talmadge