Jaden Green Professor Landry Louisiana History 22 April 2024
Discussing the Life, Legacy, and Politics of Huey P. Long, Jr.
Huey Pierce Long Jr., a towering figure in Louisiana politics during the early 20th century, left a huge impact on the state's history. His rise to power coincided with a period marked by economic hardship, social inequality, and political corruption. This essay looks into Long's life, legacy, and political ideology, examining the conditions in Louisiana that paved the way for his ascent, the positives and negatives of his career, and ultimately, whether he was a positive or negative force for the state. Huey Pierce Long Jr.'s early life was marked by modest beginnings and a drive for success. Born on August 30, 1893, …show more content…
In fact, Long had plans to run for president in 1936 and was seen as a legitimate opponent who could have the chance to win. Unfortunately, this dream was cut short due to his untimely assassination. On September 10, 1935, in the Louisiana State Capitol, Long “went to Louisiana to supervise a special legislative session that would provide him with even greater political and governmental control” (Haas). It was there where he was shot by Dr. Carl Weiss, a physician from Baton Rouge and the son of judge Benjamin Pavy who opposed Long and as a result was redistricted to deny him reelection. Long was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later. However, Long’s death did not mark the end of an era in Louisiana politics as the Longism vs. Anti-Longism debate would last for another 30 years after his death. Throughout his “reign” in the state of Louisiana, Long had both positive and negative influences on the state. Some of his positives include his populist policies that addressed widespread poverty in Louisiana, and his creation of infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges. However, Long's authoritarian leadership style, use of political intimidation tactics, abuse of power, and his
Discussing the Life, Legacy, and Politics of Huey P. Long, Jr.
Huey Pierce Long Jr., a towering figure in Louisiana politics during the early 20th century, left a huge impact on the state's history. His rise to power coincided with a period marked by economic hardship, social inequality, and political corruption. This essay looks into Long's life, legacy, and political ideology, examining the conditions in Louisiana that paved the way for his ascent, the positives and negatives of his career, and ultimately, whether he was a positive or negative force for the state. Huey Pierce Long Jr.'s early life was marked by modest beginnings and a drive for success. Born on August 30, 1893, …show more content…
In fact, Long had plans to run for president in 1936 and was seen as a legitimate opponent who could have the chance to win. Unfortunately, this dream was cut short due to his untimely assassination. On September 10, 1935, in the Louisiana State Capitol, Long “went to Louisiana to supervise a special legislative session that would provide him with even greater political and governmental control” (Haas). It was there where he was shot by Dr. Carl Weiss, a physician from Baton Rouge and the son of judge Benjamin Pavy who opposed Long and as a result was redistricted to deny him reelection. Long was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later. However, Long’s death did not mark the end of an era in Louisiana politics as the Longism vs. Anti-Longism debate would last for another 30 years after his death. Throughout his “reign” in the state of Louisiana, Long had both positive and negative influences on the state. Some of his positives include his populist policies that addressed widespread poverty in Louisiana, and his creation of infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges. However, Long's authoritarian leadership style, use of political intimidation tactics, abuse of power, and his