Eugene Talmadge
Timeline 1920 and 1922 Unsuccessfully campaigned for the Georgia General Assembly 1926 – 1930 Held the position as Agriculture Commissioner 1932 and 1934 Elected governor of Georgia 1940 Elected governor of Georgia for the THIRD time 1946 Elected governor of Georgia for the FOURTH time
Talmadge was a controversial political figure and a known white supremacist? How was he able to win elections? Due to his support for farmers, he gained a great deal of support from rural communities. The power of county unit system secured a win in 1932 and 1934.
What was Tallmadge's political platform? Advocate for farmers and the common man Balance the state’s budget Lower utility rates Reduce the price of auto tags Reorganize the state highway board
Why were Talmadge’s methods for getting bills passed considered controversial? He used executive order to pass lower automobile tag when the legislature refused. When the Public Service Commission (an elected board) refused to lower utility rates, he appointed a new board. When the highway board resisted his control, he declared martial law and appointed new members to the board.
What decisions did Talmadge make that hurt the state of Georgia? He fought against Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, especially those who aided African Americans. The Southern Association of Congress removed the state’s accreditation of all white colleges after Talmadge forced the removal two faculty members for racial issues.
What was Tallmadge's oppositions to the New Deal? He believed relief should come from private agencies CCC would turn young men in to bums He wanted to maintain status quo and keep everyone in their “proper place” Afraid to allow laborers bargaining power (Unions). Talmadage put the state under martial law and imprisoned strikers. Video