[6] Deflecting such attacks, Long occasionally painted Roosevelt as a communist, once suggesting that Roosevelt "hold the Democratic convention and Communist convention together and save money. Poised to run for president on his “Share Our Wealth” platform, Long was assassinated in 1935 at the age of 42. [25] In a 1935 interview, Long explained "A lot of guys would have been politically murdered for what I've been able to do quietly for the niggers. A bright, inquisitive, and feisty child, he would grow to become the most famous – and audacious - public figure ever produced by the state of Louisiana. D emocrat Oscar “O. Governor Huey Long (D., LA) speaks on the issue of wealth inequality. Long was revered by the masses as a champion of the common man and demonized by the powerful as a dangerous demagogue. Directed by Ron Shelton. News of Huey’s death made worldwide headlines, and an estimated 200,000 mourners attended his funeral. His early education was attained in the public schools of his native state. Huey’s revolutionary campaign and victory toppled the corrupt political establishment that had ruled since the French. Courtesy of Louisiana Secretary of State. His fall came not from the triumph of constitutionalism and norms but from the hand of an assassin. [8] When asked whether his plan was communist, Long replied: "Communism? Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. noted that "Long's political fantasies had no tensions, no conflicts, except of the most banal kind, no heroism or sacrifice, no compelling myths of class or race or nation. He served for 39 years. Long also declined to support federal anti-lynching legislation: "Can't do the dead nigra no good. “Fine,” Long told him in a conversation that took place less than a year before he was killed. 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. He's more than a Kaiserreich meme, and has left quite a lasting legacy.Support me on Patreon! Learn huey long history louisiana with free interactive flashcards. Huey P. Long's grave and statue can be seen today directly in front of the Louisiana State Capitol. [11], With the rise of fascism in 1930s Europe, many noted parallels to Long. Louisiana’s Huey Long built his remarkable career as governor and U.S. Huey Long was the most well-known American populist in the 1930s. While most say that Louisiana Governor and Senator Huey Long was a populist, little else can be agreed on. 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. Senator and favorite son. 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. [8] They argued that Long's populist rhetoric and antics belied a decidedly anti-labor philosophy; Garlin, for instance, noted that while Long constructed thousands of miles of roads and numerous bridges, the state paid its workers only 30 cents an hour—10 cents less than what the National Recovery Administration called for during the Great Depression. [19][20] George Sokolsky remembered having asked Long if he was a fascist. "[26], Nevertheless, many of Long's efforts did benefit the black community. "[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. 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. American fascist Lawrence Dennis described Long as "the nearest approach to a national fascist leader" in the United States. He was a populist and got things done. 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. Read personal stories about Huey Long or share your own story. As Governor, he used strong-arm tactics to break political gridlock and cut red tape. At age 25, Huey Long made a splash in Louisiana politics on the Louisiana Railroad Commission, fighting corporate monopolies and reducing utility rates. Demagogue (n.) a leader who exploits popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power. Here are three things you should know about Huey Long: He served as first the governor and then a senator for Louisiana in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The early twentieth century saw the rise of Huey P. Long, who established himself as a virtual dictator. 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