1. What was the impact of Eugene Talmadge’s political career?
One of Georgia’s most charismatic and controversial politicians
20 years of his life were spent in service to Georgia’s government
Some saw him as a political hero
Others saw him as a racist bully

2. Eugene Talmadge Early Career
Began as Commissioner of Agriculture
Farmers & people who lived in rural communities loved him because his policies supported farmers
Although he was accused of several illegal acts during his time as commissioner, he served three terms before he was elected governor

3. First round as governor (1933-1937)
Appealed to rural white voters.
Promised to cut car tag fees, lower utility rates, and balance the state budget.

4. First round as governor (1933-1937)
Was a very strong executive
The General Assembly refused to lower the price of car tags, he did it anyway.
When the highway board would not give in to his control, he declared martial (military) law and picked new members
Had the state treasurer physically removed from his office in the state capitol building.

5. Disagreed with FDR and New Deal
Openly opposed many parts of the New Deal including minimum wage, Social Security, and unemployment insurance
Called FDR a socialist and sought to run against him for president
Instead, ran against Sen. Richard Russell and lost

6. Still popular with voters
1940 – Talmadge ran for governor for a 3rd time and won by telling white voters the New Deal was trying to end segregation.

7. Talmadge and higher education
1941 – Word spread that some college officials were wanting to integrate state colleges.
Talmadge used his power to fire two administrators – the Dean of Education at UGA and the president of the Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern)

8. Talmadge and higher education
The Southern Assoc. of Colleges and Schools (SACS) took away the accreditation (official approval) of white public colleges in the state.
Made national headlines. Georgia college credits were worthless outside of the state.
Talmadge was defeated by Ellis Arnall in 1942 – the only governor’s election he lost

9. Everything old is new again
1946 – Talmadge ran for governor – yet again.
He did not win the popular vote but won the county unit vote, which meant he won the election.
Talmadge died in December before officially taking office and 3 men claimed to be governor

10. According to the state constitution who should be the next governor?
Newly elected Lt. Governor Melvin Thompson
Outgoing Governor Ellis Arnall
Elected by the Gen. Assembly Governor Herman Talmadge