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Louisiana:Louisiana: The History of an American StateThe History of an American State
Chapter 14Chapter 14
Louisiana’s World War II Era: Louisiana’s World War II Era:
Patriotism and ProsperityPatriotism and Prosperity
What words do I need to know?1. civil service program
Louisiana’s GovernorsLouisiana’s Governors• After Huey Long’s death, state was divided
into supporters and opponents
• Many believed that Long and his supporters were corrupt
• The “anti-Longs” won the 1940 election when Sam Jones was elected governor
• The “pro-Longs” did not regain power until the 1948 election
Sam JonesSam Jones• Voters liked Jones because he was not part of the old
political crowd • War veteran• Promised to bring honesty to state government• Government employees did not have to contribute
money to the governor’s campaign fund• Voter lists were published to remove the names of dead
citizens• Companies doing business with the state had to bid for
the contracts to make sure the state got the best price• Civil service system set up to protect state workers from
governor’s power• Like Long, Jones increased spending on pensions,
education, roads, bridges, and hospitals
Jimmie DavisJimmie Davis• Born the son of a poor sharecropper• Paid for his own education and began
public service in the Public Service Commission
• Sang country music and played guitar• Added retirement system for state workers• Directed more money to state education
system• Left office with the state budget having
extra money (surplus)
Earl LongEarl Long• Similar political views to his brother, Huey –
believed the fortunate should help the less fortunate; the rich should help the poor
• Gave away hams and bacon before speeches to draw a crowd
• Increased spending on health, welfare, education, and highways
• Pay for African American teachers increased• Increased sales, gas, and severance taxes to pay
for social programs• Abolished the civil service system so that he could
put his supporters in office
Robert KennonRobert Kennon
• Wanted to reform state government and make it more efficient
• Voting machines added to reduce fraud• Worked to eliminate illegal gambling• Made it harder to increase taxes – required
2/3 vote of legislature• Prisons were improved and prison workers
salaries increased• Gave control of city government of New
Orleans to its citizens
The Return of Earl LongThe Return of Earl Long• In 1956, Earl Long was re-elected• Long had encouraged blacks to register to vote• Long had helped to get many social programs for
blacks, and he wanted their votes• Segregationists (people who wanted to keep
whites and blacks separate) worked to get blacks taken off the voting lists
• Experienced health problems and died of heart attack just after being elected to the US House of Representatives in 1960