The Atlanta Race Riot of 1906 was a pivotal moment for the city that insisted that it was ‘too busy to hate.’ The events that started on September 22, 1906 thrust Atlanta under the microscope of the world. Was this the 'New South' that everyone had such high hopes for? How much or how little progress had truly been made since the Civil War and Reconstruction? What were the immediate and long lasting effects of that weekend?
This event is often glossed over in secondary education; if it is mentioned at all. By examining primary sources we can better understand what happened that September and. We can also examine what roles do civic leaders, politicians, and newspapers play in events like this one. And, who do we hold responsible? This blog is designed to help middle school students examine these questions and come up with their own answers. Also, it will hopefully encourage new questions.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Background
After the Civil War a new community began to grow in Atlanta that was unlike any seen before in the city. This community was composed of wealthy, educated, and politically influential African-Americans who had successfully navigated through Reconstruction. People such as Alonzo Herndon created thriving businesses and had impressive homes.
However, there was not total unity in the African-American community. The new business elite sought to distance themselves from the lower working class and unemployed African-Americans that also called Atlanta home. In other words, they didn't want to be associated with 'those people'.
Meanwhile, many whites in the city grew uncomfortable with both the business elite and the working class African-Americans. Many working class whites viewed the business elite with distrust. How could someone they believed to be inferior live in a nicer home or have a nicer business? Working class African-Americans were seen as unwanted competition for the limited jobs that were found in Atlanta.
However, there was not total unity in the African-American community. The new business elite sought to distance themselves from the lower working class and unemployed African-Americans that also called Atlanta home. In other words, they didn't want to be associated with 'those people'.
Meanwhile, many whites in the city grew uncomfortable with both the business elite and the working class African-Americans. Many working class whites viewed the business elite with distrust. How could someone they believed to be inferior live in a nicer home or have a nicer business? Working class African-Americans were seen as unwanted competition for the limited jobs that were found in Atlanta.
Politics
By September the 1906 the race for governor of Georgia was becoming a heated battle between Hoke Smith and Clark Howell. Both men played upon the racial unrest that was plaguing Atlanta, and they used the two biggest newspapers in the city to do this.
Hoke Smith used the Atlanta Journal to put forth the opinion that disenfranchising black voters would be the only way to maintain ‘proper’ social order. If they could vote they would gain even more political and business power.
Clark Howell used the Atlanta Constitution to claim that Smith was secretly working with African-American civic leaders. After all, poll taxes and all white primaries would be enough to disenfranchise black voters.
Hoke Smith used the Atlanta Journal to put forth the opinion that disenfranchising black voters would be the only way to maintain ‘proper’ social order. If they could vote they would gain even more political and business power.
Clark Howell used the Atlanta Constitution to claim that Smith was secretly working with African-American civic leaders. After all, poll taxes and all white primaries would be enough to disenfranchise black voters.
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