1. The dawn of the 20 th Century

2.  The adoption of the 1890 constitution, the white ruling class used its power to protect it’s own interest. The state began creating new laws to separated the races-  Violations of this rigid system often sparked violent punishment or LYNCHING. Between 1889-1945 Mississippians lynched 476 people- 24 of these people were white. 14 were black females and the majority were black males.

7.  A weak economy and racism caused MS to neglected the education of it’s children.  There was no public education system in the state prior to Reconstruction  Teachers were not educated. White teachers were paid $130 a year. Black Teachers were paid $90 a year. 75% of all teachers studied in the rural schools were they taught.  Educational opportunities varied by counties.  A portion of the school funding came from paying the $2 poll tax. Poll tax was used to keep poor whites and blacks from voting.

8.  After Civil War credit was tight.  Farmers did not have $ to pay workers wages.  Poor Farmers did not have $ to buy land  As a result Poor White Farmers and Freedmen turned to Sharecropping.  A sharecropper did NOT own the land, the house he/she lived in, or the tools they used.  They worked the land and paid rent in the form of a portion of the yearly crop.  In 1890 60% of all farm families were sharecroppers

11.  BOLL WEEVIL: Beetle that attacks cotton before it’s fibers open.  Devastated the crops for several years  Farmers in the SW portion of the state started farming tung trees, dairy coms and tomatoes.  The Boll Weevil is still a pest today.

15.  1880-1930 White pine forest of Mississippi were clear cut  The area known as the Piney Woods  Cities such as Hattiesburg, Laurel and Moss Point developed because of the Timber Industry.

19.  After CW Federal Gov’t was controlled by Republicans. They favored business over farmers. Passed higher taxes on manufactured goods.  Farmers suffered because nation was on gold standard instead of Silver. Silver was more plentiful.  Money was scarce – cost of borrowing was high.

20.  Farmers needed cheap $ to buy equipment and supplies. Wanted $ backed by silver  Issue caused nationwide Political Revolt  Mississippi it was called MS Farmers Alliance. Was organized to help small farmers challenged the most powerful insiders. (James George)  1891: MS Farmers Alliance endorsed Ethelbert Barksdale Editor of Jackson Newspaper/George was elected

21.  1891 Populist Party was formed to help small farmers  Demanded  Tariff reform  Graduated income tax  Regulation of Railroad  The use of silver $  Election of Senators instead of appointment The election of 1891 The Democrats played the race card and won.

22.  1903 James Vardaman was elected Governor. He represented the poor whites of the Hills and Piney Woods. His racism, showmanship and populism won their votes.

23.  Progressives believed that Government was best equipped to correct the ills of society.  1911 election Vardaman elected Senator Bilbo LT. Governor.  1915 Bilbo elected Governor: Man of the People:  Created:  State Tax Commission  Developed pardons board  Tuberculosis hospital  Charity hospital  Training school for delinquents  Passed a Compulsory school attendance law  Anti-lobby law  Education received highest appropriation in history