Messiah Of The Masses Analysis

Glen Jeansonne prefaces his book Messiah of the Masses: Huey P. Long and the Great Depression by stating that he believes Huey P. Long was largely misunderstood. Jeansonne feels that Long is frequently studied out of context and he attempts to provide that context for the reader. He insists that Huey was a man of “great abilities and tragic flaws,” who was neither entirely good nor evil (xi). Except for this introductory passage, Jeansonne provides no other personal opinions of Long, only the facts, leaving the reader to interpret his and formulate their own opinions of the Kingfish. With the context provided, if one could place Long on a spectrum with light being good and dark being evil, it seems that all but his biggest supporters would …show more content…
While holding his opponents captive, Jeansonne explains, “Long produced telegrams from Irby and Terrell addressed to relatives” (89). Although it was evident that Long was behind the kidnappings, he managed to win the election. “Having become virtually uncontested ruler of Lousiana,” Jeansonne writes, “Long wanted to become Kingfish of the entire United States” (109). While in office as senator, Long formed The Share Our Weath Society based on taking the excess funds of the rich and redistributing them to the lower class. The society ammassed millions of followers based on falsehoods. “There were fewer millionares in the United States than Long though, and their fortunes were inadequate to provide the benefits he promised,” Jeansonne writes (123). Not only did Long provide a faulty plan, he also failed to honestly discuss his wealth with his many followers. According to Jeansonne, Long had a house worth nearly $60,000, a cash annuity worth $100,000, six cadillacs, and a $3,000 wardrobe of suits. Huey’s total assets were estimated to be on the upwards of 5 million, yet he only declared assets of $115,000 plus oil stock. Jeansonne writes that Long’s “exploitation of resources continued for generations”