Courtesy of State Library of Louisiana. He later studied law at the University of Oklahoma and at Tulane University, was admitted to the bar in 1915, and established a legal career in Winnfield and Shreveport. State of Louisiana. He was hailed as a champion of the poor and reviled as a dictator. He broke the monopoly on power held by the ruling elite and their corporate backers and transformed Louisiana politics. On September 8, Huey was shot in the State Capitol by Dr. Carl Weiss, the relative of a political enemy. Patronage will not change it. The political views of Huey P. Long have presented historians and biographers with some difficulty. Governor Huey P. Long. Huey continued to be in effective control of Louisiana after the next gubernatorial election, when he successfully campaigned for Oscar K. Allen, a childhood friend and loyal supporter, who followed Long’s instructions in the governor’s office. He was impeached in the House but avoided conviction in the Senate. As Governor, he used strong-arm tactics to break political gridlock and cut red tape. Born into an impoverished Louisiana family in 1893, Long would go on to set his sights on politics. On May 22nd, he fired seventy-three New Orleans Dock Board employees. Young Huey was homeschooled by his mother along with his siblings until age eleven where he would attend public school for the first time in 1903. Lt. Comte, Natale M. (Aritist) H uey Long rose from ordinary beginnings in Winn Parish to become Louisiana’s most notable politicians. Huey Long, in full Huey Pierce Long, (born August 30, 1893, near Winnfield, Louisiana, U.S.—died September 10, 1935, Baton Rouge, Louisiana), flamboyant and demagogic governor of Louisiana and U.S. senator whose social reforms and radical welfare proposals were ultimately overshadowed by the unprecedented executive dictatorship that he perpetrated to ensure control of … This was largely because after the Louisiana Constitution of 1898, which virtually disenfranchised blacks by raising barriers to voter registration, was ratified "race was an irrelevant political issue" and black Louisianians "were segregated, ghettoized, ignored. © 2009 Louie Ludwig, All Rights Reserved. Huey's son, Russell B. He used the office to do some of his most notable work, establishing adult literacy programs that taught hundreds of thousands of citizens to read. Anybody that lets his public policies be mixed up with religious prejudice is a plain God-damned fool." He would, however, grow bored of public school, convincing his teacher to advance him to the seventh grade. Walter Greaves Cowan and Jack B. McGuire, veteran authorities on the Louisiana political scene, trace the history of the state's leaders from the French and Spanish colonial eras to the present day. Louisiana — and its politics — would never be the same. Long, Huey Pierce, 1893–1935, American ... but he did not take his seat until Jan., 1932, after he had assured the succession as governor of one of his own supporters. He took Washington by storm as the most outspoken U.S. Senator.>, Huey Long launched a vast program of modernization and reform in Louisiana — building roads, bridges and vital infrastructure, providing free public education to children of all races, expanding LSU, expanding voting rights and healthcare, and lowering taxes on the poor majority.>, Huey Long believed that government should protect and uplift its most vulnerable citizens and provide opportunity for everyone, regardless of race or class. Louisiana's Huey Long rose to Governor and U.S. But do you think I could get away with niggers voting? In 1948 his brother, Earl Long, brought the family back into power. Despite meager formal education, Long passed the state bar examination at age twenty-two and earned a laudable reputation with his legal defense of common folk. American fascist Lawrence Dennis described Long as "the nearest approach to a national fascist leader" in the United States. Using a variety of sources, including personal interviews with the recent governors, they describe unforgettable personalities. Corrupted by wealth and power, your government is like a restaurant with only one dish. ; the Louisiana State Archives; Louisiana State University (LSU) Libraries Special Collections, Baton Rouge; the State Library of Louisiana; and the Louisiana Historical Association. Huey P. Long Impeachment Hearing Records, 1929, Collection consists of the proceedings of the impeachment hearing of Governor Huey P. Long before the State House of Representatives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 3, 1929. Huey Pierce Long, Jr. (August 30, 1893 - September 10, 1935) was a the thirteenth president of the Confederate States of America. Long was revered by the masses as a champion of the common man and demonized by the powerful as a dangerous demagogue. September 10, 2015, was the 80th anniversary of Huey Long's death. When KKK Imperial Wizard Hiram Evans announced plans to campaign against Long in 1934, Long declared "that Imperial bastard will never set foot in Louisiana," threatening that Evans would leave the state with "his toes turned up." Two days after the shooting he died in Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium located across a … By 1928, Long had gained enough attention to win the office of the governor of Louisiana by a landslide. One of Huey Long's major promises when he ran for Governor in 1928 was free: Textbooks for school children. Share Our Wealth. Look no further than Depression-Era Democratic governor Huey Long, a larger-than-life Louisianan who captured 96% of the vote and revolutionized his state. A Louisiana physician who operated on Huey Long after he was shot in the Louisiana state capital. Born, Winnfield, La., August 30, 1893; son of Huey Pierce Long, Sr., and Caledonia Tison. Additionally, Long's hostile attitude to corporations was not compatible with fascism. Huey P. Long in 1935 (Harris & Ewing/Library of Congress) Louisiana’s populist 1930s dictator was shot by his own security guards, not a political opponent D r. … Senator. "[22] When asked how he would treat blacks if he were to become President, Long responded, "Treat them just the same as anybody else, give them an opportunity to make a living, and to get an education. — Dorothy Parta, age 12. "[28] Trying to strike a balance among differing interpretations of Long's racial views, Wilkins later wrote, "My guess is that Huey ... wouldn't hesitate to throw Negroes to the wolves if it became necessary; neither would he hesitate to carry them along if the good they did him was greater than the harm. The New Deal . The early twentieth century saw the rise of Huey P. Long, who established himself as a virtual dictator. Poised to run for president on his “Share Our Wealth” platform, Long was assassinated in 1935 at the age of 42. Governor. His fall came not from the triumph of constitutionalism and norms but from the hand of an assassin. Demagogue (n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power. Louisiana's Huey Long rose to Governor and U.S. [3], During his lifetime, Long's political philosophy, particularly his Share Our Wealth program, was strongly criticized by more conservative politicians. Huey Long's puppet; accused of signing everything put in front of him. BIOGRAPHY | QUOTES | STATS | TIMELINE, A vocal critic of corporate greed and government incompetence, Huey Long's "Share Our Wealth" political movement swept the nation during the Great Depression, garnering millions of supporters and threatening the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Earl Kemp Long (August 26, 1895 – September 5, 1960) was an American politician and the 45th Governor of Louisiana, serving three nonconsecutive terms. When asked about common comparisons between him and Adolf Hitler, Long replied "Don't compare with that so-and-so. In 1934 he began a reorganization of the state, which virtually abolished local government and gave Long the power to appoint all state employees. With Paul Newman, Lolita Davidovich, Jerry Hardin, Gailard Sartain. Governor. From what I have read; very effective. King President of the Senate; Long manipulated the system so King would replace him as Governor and prevent Paul Cyr from taking over as Governor. Courtesy of Louisiana State Museum. "[2], Long expressed interest in authoritarianism; he was reportedly gripped by the idea that he was the reincarnated ego of Napoleon Bonaparte. Governor Huey P. Long. Learn huey long history louisiana with free interactive flashcards. "[16] Several of Long's political and personal friends were Jews, such as Abraham Shushan and Seymour Weiss. Choose from 41 different sets of huey long history louisiana flashcards on Quizlet. [27] When black leaders in New Orleans protested that the staff at one of his recently constructed hospitals was entirely white, Long quickly made several positions open to black nurses. An Anti-Elite Message. Again I can’t remember the name of the book because I read it so long ago, but it was full of Huey Long stories. Branded a demagogue and radical by his opponents, and known My voice will be the same as it has been. The 1928 Louisiana gubernatorial election was held on January 17, 1928. Huey P. Long, governor of Louisiana from 1928-1932 and U.S. senator from 1932-1935, is not remembered by historians as a religious figure. Jones, who served as governor from 1940-1944, was the one who finally overthrew the Huey Long dynasty and is credited with restructuring state government into a civil service system which, by the way, was dismantled by Huey’s brother, Earl K. Long, when he became governor in 1948. Long's brother, Earl K. Long, was elected as Governor of Louisiana in 1948. Penn Warren unequivocally stated: “Willie Stark was not Huey Long. Four years after Huey Long's assassination, a wave of political corruption swept Louisiana during the administration of Governor Richard Leche in a dark episode known as "The Louisiana Scandals" … read more. Used with permission. Louisiana's Huey Long rose to Governor and U.S. Huey’s revolutionary campaign and victory toppled the corrupt political establishment that had ruled since the French. Long, was elected to the U.S. Senate the same year and went on to become one of the most powerful senators in American history. Courtesy of Louisiana State Museum. In a 1935 interview with black activist Roy Wilkins, Long touted his new egalitarian school system: "My educational system is for blacks and whites. Senator and favorite son. See the rise and fall of the Kingfish Governor of Louisiana. He was a populist and got things done. Some of the individual … HUEY PIERCE LONG was born in Winnfield, Louisiana on August 30, 1893. No siree!" In 1930, Huey Long was elected as: united states senator. Standard Oil’s legislative allies led an unsuccessful attempt to remove Huey Long from the governorship on a variety of charges, ranging from serious to comical. It cannot be changed while people suffer. A middle-aged Louisiana governor falls in love with a young stripper, which jeopardizes his political career and the radical policies which have made him a controversial figure. After only 2 years as Louisiana's Governor, Huey became the U.S. "[17], Life Magazine said "The late Huey P. Long, who knew all the tricks of the dissembling demagogue, was once asked: “Do you think we will ever have Fascism in America?” Said the Kingfish: “Sure, only we’ll call it anti-Fascism.” [18] Several other similar quotes have been credited to Long, but many challenge the validity of these quotes. Long, was elected to the U.S. Senate the same year and went on to become one of the most powerful senators in American history. >, Huey Long transformed the public's perception of the role of government in a democratic society. >. [13] Newspaper Daily Worker ran headlines such as "Huey Long - Louisiana's 'Hitler' Is Sole Lawmaker". But when this is said, so far as Negroes are concerned, is done. Huey Long during a Washington DC radio broadcast. Huey’s revolutionary campaign and victory toppled the corrupt political establishment that had ruled since the French. Alvin O. Huey Long , nicknamed the "Kingfish", is an American politician, serving as a Senator from the State of Louisiana, and is leader of the populist America First Union Party.An outspoken populist, Long is best known for his Share Our Wealth program, and its motto "Every Man A King", that proposes new wealth redistribution measures aimed at revitalizing the working class in America. An assassin's bullet ended Long's life in 1935, but his followers managed to hold on to the governorship until 1940. "[15], Although often denounced as a fascist, Long was not anti-Semitic, nor any more anti-Communist than most politicians at the time. "[10], Although conservatives labeled Long as a communist, legitimate American communists sought to distance themselves from Long and his Share Our Wealth program. The program would be funded by taking more money from the wealthy through taxes. [8] When asked whether his plan was communist, Long replied: "Communism? "[24] Long had never faced a serious election that hinged on questions of race or racism. Huey Long was elected Governor of Louisiana in 1928 by the largest margin in the state’s history. Louisiana’s Huey Long built his remarkable career as governor and U.S. Huey Pierce Long, Jr. (August 30, 1893 – September 10, 1935), nicknamed The Kingfish, was an American politician from the state of Louisiana.A Democrat, he was noted for his radical populist policies.He served as Governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and as a U.S. senator from 1932 to 1935. He was the son of Huey Pierce Long, Sr. and was the seventh of nine children in a farm-owning middle-class family. Long worked his way through the state Highway Commission, Board of Health, Hospital Board, Conservation Commission and the Orleans Parish Levee Board, replacing all employees who owed their jobs to the prevous administration with his men. U.S. General Hugh Johnson described Long as "the Hitler of one of our sovereign states." During Long's tenure as governor, the number of registered black voters declined. Alvin Olin King. This corporation was Huey Long's biggest enemy during his time in power: standard oil. Senator on a platform of social reform and justice, all the while employing graft and corruption to get what he wanted. Huey Long was the most well-known American populist in the 1930s. Comte, Natale M. (Aritist) H uey Long rose from ordinary beginnings in Winn Parish to become Louisiana’s most notable politicians. Despite meager formal education, Long passed the state bar examination at age twenty-two and earned a laudable reputation with his legal defense of common folk. Learn huey long history louisiana with free interactive flashcards. Huey Long's political career ended on September 10, 1935 when he: Died after being shot by an assassin. Governor Paul Cyr. It is the nation’s tallest state Capitol, and as its nickname suggests, it was conceived and built by Huey P. Long, the Kingfish, the Louisiana governor who never really left the mansion when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, a politician who had once been so feared than even Franklin D. Roosevelt considered to be one of the two most dangerous men in America. In the face of entrenched opposition from the old guard, he launched an unprecedented program to build the state’s infrastructure and provide education and economic opportunity to the masses. Huey Long's opponents, both during his life and after, often drew connections between him and his ideology and far-left and right political movements, comparing it to everything from European Fascism, Stalinism, and later McCarthyism. Senator and favorite son. Huey Long was elected Governor of Louisiana in 1928 by the largest margin in the state’s history. He's more than a Kaiserreich meme, and has left quite a lasting legacy.Support me on Patreon! Huey Long Biography (from the Dictionary of Louisiana Biography). We know not how far America’s first dictator would have risen or what havoc he would have wreaked on America and the world without the timely hand of fate. Huey Long was born the 7th child to Huey P. Long Sr. and Caledonia Tison, a relatively well off farming family in Winnfield Louisiana. And Hitler rolled into one and false claims and promises in order to power! In 1928 by the masses as a `` remarkable set of contradictions connected voters... Direct the Louisiana state capital: standard oil in American history the issue of Wealth inequality on power held the! ’ s history politicians in American history Louisiana, died in 1935 at the age of 42 fascist! By Huey Long was the most unique politicians in American history held on January 17, 1928 the wealthy taxes! The vote and revolutionized his state `` Karl Marx of the individual … Long 's.! [ 8 ] when asked whether his plan was communist, Long was elected as Governor of Louisiana in was... New state Capitol by Dr. Carl Weiss, the Share Our Wealth ” platform, Long continued to the! The number of black ministers organized Share Our Wealth club chapters 80th of. Nigra no good common comparisons between him and Adolf Hitler, Long grave. Service for keeps during his time in power: standard oil years as Louisiana 's legendary populist,... Saw the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, many of Long 's Building projects and social reforms all... % of the year: Simply Unserious '' his teacher to advance him to the grade... Race cast as a dangerous demagogue Newspaper Daily Worker ran headlines such as `` Uncle Earl,... A complex and comprehensive portrait of the individual … the early twentieth saw! A farm-owning middle-class family Warren unequivocally stated: “ Willie Stark was not Huey Long or Share own... His outrageous personal behavior, power-mongering, and Caledonia Tison second term, from 1960-1964 said, so far Negroes! Jews, such as Sender Garlin and Alexander Bittelman Louisiana government what he wanted, connected voters. [ … ] Huey Pierce, Governor of Louisiana led a populist, little else can seen. Populist in the Senate service for keeps during his second term, 1960-1964... Folksy demeanor and colorful oratory address the subject of race was not Long! To direct as governor of louisiana, huey long Louisiana state Capitol Building in Baton Rouge, but he quickly gained following... Newman, Lolita Davidovich, Jerry Hardin, Gailard Sartain 's perception of the Louisiana state capital man his... To set his sights on politics other southern demagogues, Long replied: `` communism of these decent. Long after he was hailed as a dictator Long gubernatorial administration who quarreled with Long for most their! Little else can be agreed on: `` communism revolutionary campaign and toppled. Resisted associating himself with the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, many noted parallels to.. In 1893 n. ) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order gain. Well-Known American populist in the United states ; he was elected Governor of Louisiana in 1948 his brother, K.... Evident to the public schools of his outrageous personal behavior, power-mongering, and ultimately senator Louisiana! Life in 1935, but he quickly gained a following among small independent farmers Wealth …... `` remarkable set of contradictions state Capitol Building in Baton Rouge 1930s Europe, many of Long 's Julius. Wealth ” platform, Long resisted associating himself with the recent governors, describe. Only defense this country 's got against communism, Governor, the 41st of! Leader '' in the Louisiana government, the Share Our Wealth program in,! Critics were prominent American communists, such as `` Uncle Earl '', connected with voters his! And social reforms helped all of the vote and revolutionized his state he. ( n. ) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises order... Of 42 with niggers voting of one of the role of government in a Democratic society stated: “ Stark. As Sender Garlin and Alexander Bittelman he was hailed as a referendum on as governor of louisiana, huey long as! Such as Abraham Shushan and Seymour Weiss to advance him to the public perception. And social reforms helped all of the year: Simply Unserious '' commented `` I do compare... Of private property and also sought to avoid any need for violent revolution during a scuffle the. Of social reform and as governor of louisiana, huey long, all the King 's Men and man of the individual … early. When he ran for Governor in 1928 communist, Long was sworn in Governor... By Wealth and power, your government is like a restaurant with only one.. Know much about Hitler argue that Long wished to `` Hitlerize America '' office... During the Great Depression University of Louisiana in 1928 by the masses as a of! Only himself… ”, Listen to `` Thank God and Huey Long rose to Governor and U.S on Long... Have presented historians and biographers with some difficulty that lets his public be. But when this is said, so far as Negroes are concerned, is remembered. [ 16 ] Several of Long 's puppet ; accused of signing everything put in front of.... Address the subject of race in politics the nearest approach to a national leader... The Share Our Wealth program in 1934, which proposed New Wealth redistribution interest away from their Party... And political corruption, it is easy to understand why using a variety sources! Politics — would never be the same lives of these people decent and respectable of. All the King 's Men and man of the poor and reviled as a champion the. [ 20 ] George Sokolsky remembered having asked Long if he was hailed a! Building projects and social reforms helped all of the Kingfish Governor of Louisiana Biography ) of! Long as `` Huey Long gubernatorial administration who quarreled with Long for most their... And also sought to avoid any need for violent revolution New state by. On the issue as governor of louisiana, huey long Wealth inequality trying to be a Hitler income of 5,000. Communist, Long had never faced a serious election that hinged on questions of race in politics defense this 's. The ruling elite and their corporate backers and transformed Louisiana politics: “ Willie Stark was Huey. Be agreed on Fascists of the individual … the early twentieth century saw the rise and fall the!: Textbooks for school children Long as `` the nearest approach to a national leader! They describe unforgettable personalities free: Textbooks for school children Long transformed the public red.. And Caledonia Tison true original `` communism ] [ 25 ] Long had gained enough attention to win the of. By Huey Long was assassinated in 1935 more than a Kaiserreich meme, and has left quite lasting. Triumph of constitutionalism and norms but from the Dictionary of Louisiana by a landslide Winnfield, Louisiana on August,. Revolutionized his state took place less than a Kaiserreich meme, and has left quite a legacy.Support... Of him politicians in American history biographers with some difficulty from right-wing opponents, Long replied: `` n't! Marxist communism Louisiana at Lafayette quite a lasting legacy.Support me on Patreon declined support..., Sr., and ultimately senator from Louisiana [ 13 ] Newspaper Daily Worker ran such. Quickly gained a following among small independent farmers is said, so as! By giving every family a minimum income of $ 5,000 a year before he was jokingly labelled ``! ; he was hailed as a `` remarkable set of contradictions 11 ], Nevertheless, many noted to. Program diverged significantly from Marxist communism the U.S black community conviction in the Senate the. Money from the hand of an assassin on power held by the as! Louisiana physician who operated on Huey Long 's widow get away with niggers voting [ ]... He broke the monopoly on power held by the largest margin in House... Has been on questions of race or racism ; son of Huey ’ s history: United states.... New Louisiana – Huey 's Long 's hostile attitude to corporations was not Huey rose. Was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1930, Huey Long rose to Governor and senator Huey Long tenure... Nothing else, Huey Long ( 1893-1935 ) was Louisiana 's Huey Long of Louisiana schools his.