A real conflict developed between Huey p. Long and Franklin D. Roosevelt to the point when Roosevelt recognized: “He [Huey Long] is one of the two most dangerous men in the country.” And he reasoned that “We must tame these fellows [Long and his political allies] and make them useful to us.” At this moment a secret poll had already shown that 11 percent of the people preferred Kingfish to Roosevelt or a republican and Long had become a serious power for an election. Nobody can know how the relationship between both would have developed without the assassination and if Huey Long could have changed his mind according the New Deal, if Roosevelt had offered him a position on the national level in exchange. But apparently a lot of Long’s opposition to Roosevelt’s bills came from his interests in gaining power. He tried to establish his own Share Our Wealth program not only for Louisiana, but for the whole country. It seems that both reasons come together: Huey Long selected those New Deal bills that he considered useful from the others. Later the conflict with president Roosevelt became increasingly important to his policy.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction – Extraordinary Times
2. A Visionary and his Self-Perception
3. An Historical Perspective
3.1. The Benefactor
3.2. The Dictator
4. Conclusion – Extraordinary Men
5. Prospects – Prophecy without Fulfilling
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the political career and controversial legacy of Huey Pierce Long, focusing on his rise to power in Louisiana during the Great Depression. It explores the duality of his character, questioning whether he was a genuine populist benefactor for the poor or an authoritarian demagogue who undermined democratic institutions to secure his own influence.
- Analysis of Huey Long's populist rhetoric and "Share Our Wealth" program.
- Evaluation of his infrastructure and education reforms in Louisiana.
- Examination of his centralization of political power and use of coercive measures.
- Comparison of Long's political persona with contemporary dictators and democratic leaders.
- Review of historical interpretations and autobiographical self-presentation.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction – Extraordinary Times
This essay deals with a populist who was able to rally a huge allegiance in times of the poverty and social unrest, to gain power and to harm democracy from within. But we are not dealing with a German or an Italian in this case. Furthermore we are talking about a man who made promises about social equality, about a fair redistribution of wealth. This man made the rich his enemies and the poor his patronage. But we are neither dealing with a German nor with a Russian in this case. The time is about the same as the times of the European Dictators Hitler, Mussolini or Stalin. However, the place that we are talking about is right between the Sabine River and the Mississippi.
The Great Depression brought high unemployment and a constant decrease of the economy to the United States. The agriculture industry, fundamental for each society, was affected worst and in the year 1932 about 25 percent of the Americans were unemployed. These years have created serious change in America and the whole world. In some places remarkable politicians have entered the stage of Democracies and the social conditions allowed populists to gain followers. It was that time, when one of the most curious characters in US-History appeared. Huey Pierce Long, one of those characters, began his political career in Louisiana where he later became governor and finally US-senator. He even planned on running for president in 1936 before his sudden assassination in 1935.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction – Extraordinary Times: This chapter introduces Huey Long as a significant American populist figure who emerged during the economic turmoil of the Great Depression.
2. A Visionary and his Self-Perception: This section analyzes Long's autobiographical accounts and his projection of himself as a benefactor for the poor and a defender of the common man.
3. An Historical Perspective: This chapter provides a critical examination of Long's policies, contrasting his tangible social improvements with his authoritarian tendencies and political consolidation.
3.1. The Benefactor: This section details Long's achievements in infrastructure development, such as roads and bridges, and his focus on expanding educational access in Louisiana.
3.2. The Dictator: This section discusses the controversy surrounding Long's governance, including his use of force, corruption allegations, and the consolidation of state power.
4. Conclusion – Extraordinary Men: This chapter synthesizes historical interpretations to assess Long's legacy, situating him within the broader context of American demagoguery and democratic leadership.
5. Prospects – Prophecy without Fulfilling: This concluding chapter reflects on Long's unfinished political trajectory and his potential future as a presidential candidate prior to his assassination.
Keywords
Huey Pierce Long, Great Depression, Louisiana, Populism, Share Our Wealth, American History, Political Power, Infrastructure, Education Reform, Authoritarianism, Dictatorship, Biography, New Deal, US Senate, Political Rhetoric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the life and political career of Huey Pierce Long, exploring the tension between his image as a populist benefactor and his reputation as an authoritarian leader.
What central themes are explored in the work?
Key themes include the impact of the Great Depression on American politics, the nature of populist leadership, wealth redistribution, and the manipulation of democratic institutions.
What is the main research question of this study?
The study asks whether Huey Long was a legitimate champion of the poor and sick or a power-seeking demagogue who operated on the edge of a despotic dictatorship.
Which methodology is applied in this research?
The author uses a historical analytical approach, reviewing primary sources like Long's autobiographies and comparing them against secondary historical literature to create a balanced portrait.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body covers his political rise in Louisiana, his specific reforms in education and infrastructure, his "Share Our Wealth" program, and the controversies regarding his consolidation of power.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Core keywords include Huey Pierce Long, Populism, Share Our Wealth, Great Depression, Louisiana politics, and Authoritarianism.
How does the author view Long’s impact on education?
The author identifies the improvement of public education, including free books and the fight against adult illiteracy, as one of the most recognized legacies of Long's administration.
What specific role did the "Bureau of Criminal Identification" play in Long's governance?
It functioned as a state-controlled police force, often used to protect Long's power and intimidate his political opponents, earning the nickname "Huey's Cossacks."
What did historical critics argue regarding Long’s redistribution of wealth?
Critics, such as William Ivy Hair, argued that Long's help was politically motivated and that he largely ignored the needs of the Black population in Louisiana because they lacked voting power.
- Quote paper
- Bakkalaureus Artium Steve Nowak (Author), 2008, Huey Pierce Long: An Extraordinary Man in Extraordinary Times, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128617
