‘One of the most bitter political campaigns of that bloody era was reaching its climax. Hoke Smith-that amazing contradiction of courageous and intelligent opposition of to the South’s economic ills and at the same time advocacy of ruthless suppression of the Negro- was a candidate that year for governorship.’ Walter White.
1. Explain what Walter White meant by ‘amazing contradiction’.
2. How is Hoke Smith typical of a Southern politician at that time? How was he playing on the fears of the time?
3. Compare and contrast Hoke Smith to modern day politicians. In what ways is he the same? Different? Give several examples for each.
1. According to this letter what are the two things the citizens of Atlanta fear?
2. Explain why these two groups would be the most feared in the city?
3. Examine the difficulties faced by the Militia in Georgia at this time. What do you believe the biggest challenge was? Consider factors such as civil unrest, not enough troops, and insufficient armaments.
Read the above newspaper entry concerning the Atlanta Riot.
1. Summarize what the newspaper is reporting.
2. Does this article present a fair and balanced view or does it lean toward one side or the other?
3. Create your own newspaper article regarding the Atlanta Race Riot. Pay close attention to how you write your article. Do you add a lot of historical context? Do you give a straightforward account? Is it biased in any way?
http://bcove.me/l6jif69x
Watch the above clip from GPB.
1. What evidence does this clip present of the racial tension at the time?
2. To your knowledge does this clip offer a fair and balanced view of what happened?
3. Explain why whites targeted people such as Alonzo Herndon. What did he represent to the rioters?
1. Why would the major's main concern be why he was not ordered to Atlanta with his troops?
2. Based on this letter and what you know about the riot, do you believe he was concerned for his troops or that he was 'missing the action'?
'In the eerie light Father turned his drawn face toward me. In a voice as quite as though he were asking me to pass him the sugar at the breakfast table, he said, "Son, don't shoot until the first man puts his foot on the lawn and then-don't you miss!"'- Walter White
1. Imagine you are in that room with Walter White and his father. What feelings would you have?
2. Would Walter White and his father have been justified in shooting the rioters?
3. In today's world would their defense of family and home be looked on more favorably than in the Jim Crow era? In other words, would they have more legal justification in the 21st century?
Final DBQ:
Your final assignment is to research a riot that has taken place in the modern era (since 1992). This riot can be international or national. What are the similarities between this riot and the Atlanta Race Riot? Remember, even if there are no superficial similarity you need to look deeper. Who is the violence targeted towards? Why are these people being targeted? How are the riots different? Finally, is a riot ever justified? For example, what if a riot is over food being horded by a government?
