Economic stagnation

1) LA remained one of the most economically drained and backward economies in the US, despite having natural resources here

Dissatisfaction with the Bourbons

1) In 50 years between reconstruction and Huey Long, the Bourbons had ruled with an iron hand. But they didn’t do much for helping or improving most peoples lives.

2) By 1920s their neglect for living standards, education, necessary infrastructure cost the Bourbons the support of many people

Failure of Populism and Progressivism

1) The only time that bourbon rule was challenged, was through the Populists----who the bourbons ruthlessly crushed, but they didn’t seem to shake the Bourbon complete rule----but helped fuel the fire of people yearning for improvements and change

Flood of 1927

1) Destroyed any confidence the public might have still had for bourbons 2) 1000s of people who were poor before, were practically left with nothing And the little help that the state government gave, upset the people even more

had the authority to refulate the oil and natural gas piplines and river transporattion

--set up as a spoiler for Bourbon helpers

--HPL used it as a launching pad for a state wide career

Desperation
1. By 1920’s people of LA were desperate for some type of positive in their state. LA ranked near the bottom in all measures of health, well being, education,
infrastructure, etc.
2. Had seen reform movements in the past but they were all defeated and never made any meaningful reform for the state

3. People ready for more radical reform
Charisma
1. Huey’s personal charisma.
2. Tended to portray 2 images of himself:
         a. Man of the people – grown up poor, working in
the fields, shared the peoples life experiences
and in turn shared their values
         b. Benevolent father figure – someone they could
look up to as a protectant.
         c. Of the people but also Above the people – these 2 images complemented themselves
Class over Race
1. Like all southern politicans, he was a white supremacist– believed whites were better than blacks – but he did not use race as a political tool in his campaign
2. He appealed to the people of LA based on their
economic status

Results
1. Would have never won like he did or had the impacts
like he did had he not followed through with the
promises he made.
2. People supported him because he made promises and kept them

Pushing ROOSEVELT administration further left than it would have gone

1) Stories of NEW DEAL, point to HPL as saying why they had to go so far left to satisfy people, and steal HPL's thunder

Emphasized Class over race in politics in LA

1) White supremacy----->class

2) Didn’t use Race baiting as much as a political tactic ---he look mainly at economic issues

Expanded Exec power further than any previous governor

1) One of most powerful executives in country---almost a dictator

Enduring political dynasty

1) "longism" both a ideology and a style 2)Dominant political force for most of the next few decades even after his death, Earl long and other politicians