Unit 5: The New South
THE BIG IDEA SS8H7: The student will evaluate key political, social, and economic changes that occurred in Georgia between 1877 and 1918. Evaluate- to make a judgment as to the worth or value of something; judge, assess
Bourbon Triumvirate Bourbon Triumvirate: GA’s 3 most powerful politicians during the Post-Reconstruction Era. John B. Gordon Joseph E. Brown Alfred H. Colquitt Characteristics: -All key figures during Civil War -Shared power between the governor and senate seats from 1872-1890 - Championed railroad and mining industry - Supported low taxes & fewer government services(conservative) -White supremacist
Joseph Brown Born in SC Lawyer and Judge (Yale Law School) State senator N. Georgia farmer Governor during the civil war State’s rights activist Remained until June 1865—lost popularity by asking Georgians to go along with Rad. Repub. Policies, believing it would shorten Reconstruction Governor Joseph Brown
Alfred Colquitt Born in GA Lawyer: Princeton Law School State congressman Served at Georgia’s secession convention Maj. Gen. in Confederate Army 1876: elected Governor State debt reduced Wanted to increase industry in the South New state constitution (1877) Alfred Colquitt
John B. Gordon Born in GA Took over father’s mine business Lt. Gen. in Confederate Army US Senator from GA: 1872-1880 Resigned 1880 due to scandal Contributed to the Compromise of 1877—gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency in exchange for the removal of Federal troops from the South Rumored Head of Georgia’s KKK during Reconstruction 1886: elected Governor Brought new industry to Georgia Lt. Gen. John B. Gordon
The Bourbon Triumvirate wanted to strengthen economic ties with the North, while keeping white supremacy—considered old Southern traditions Failures Did not improve lives of poor Education suffered Did not reform prisons Poor working conditions in factories Successes State taxes lowered State war debts reduced Business and industry expanded