George Wallace

George Wallace
Louis Fabian Bachrach Jr. · Public domain · source
Name	George Wallace
Birth date	March 25, 1913
Birth place	Clio, Alabama
Death date	September 13, 1998
Death place	Montgomery, Alabama
Party	Democratic (until 1972)
Party2	American Independent (1972-1976)
Party3	Democratic (1976-1998)
Spouse	Lurleen (married 1943-1967)

George Wallace

George Wallace was a prominent American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Alabama from 1963 to 1967 and again from 1971 to 1975 and from 1983 to 1987. He is best known for his staunch support of segregation and states' rights, which led to a series of confrontations with the federal government during the US Civil Rights Movement. As a key figure in the movement, Wallace's actions and views continue to influence American politics.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

George Corley Wallace Jr. was born on March 25, 1913, in Clio, Alabama, to George Corley Wallace Sr. and Lella Jackson Wallace. He grew up in a poor farming family and was educated in the public schools of Clio and Montgomery, Alabama. Wallace attended the University of Alabama but did not graduate, instead choosing to pursue a career in law enforcement. He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, rising to the rank of captain. After the war, Wallace entered politics, serving in the Alabama State Legislature and later as the Attorney General of Alabama.

Governorship and "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door"

In 1962, Wallace was elected Governor of Alabama, with a platform that emphasized states' rights and opposition to civil rights for African Americans. As governor, Wallace implemented a number of policies aimed at maintaining segregation, including the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door, which took place on June 11, 1963. On that day, Wallace physically blocked the entrance to University of Alabama's Foster Auditorium, attempting to prevent two African American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, from registering for classes. The confrontation was eventually resolved when President John F. Kennedy federalized the Alabama National Guard and allowed the students to enroll.

Presidential Campaigns and National Influence

In 1964, Wallace launched a presidential campaign as a Democrat, but his anti-civil rights stance made it difficult for him to gain traction outside of the Deep South. He eventually ran as a third-party candidate in several states, winning five electoral votes from Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. Wallace's campaigns highlighted the deep-seated divisions within the Democratic Party over civil rights and states' rights. His views on these issues resonated with many conservatives and Southerners, who saw him as a champion of traditional values and regional autonomy.

Views on Segregation and States' Rights

Wallace was a vocal advocate for segregation and states' rights, which he saw as essential to maintaining the social and economic order of the South. He believed that the federal government was overstepping its authority in matters such as civil rights and that states should be free to govern themselves. These views put him at odds with many civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., who saw Wallace as a major obstacle to progress. Despite his hardline stance, Wallace did take some tentative steps towards moderation, particularly in his later years, as he sought to rebuild his reputation and appeal to a broader audience.

Later Political Career and Public Image

In the 1970s and 1980s, Wallace continued to play a prominent role in Alabama politics, serving multiple terms as governor. He also made efforts to rehabilitate his public image, expressing regret for some of his earlier actions and advocating for greater civic engagement. Despite these efforts, Wallace's legacy remains complex and contested, with many viewing him as a symbol of racism and resistance to change. Others see him as a champion of states' rights and a defender of traditional American values. Today, Wallace is remembered as a significant figure in the US Civil Rights Movement, whose actions and views continue to shape American politics and society.

Category:George Wallace Category:Governors of Alabama Category:Presidential candidates Category:US Civil Rights Movement