Removal of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction.
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
1. Who was involved?
The event involved white supremacists and members of the Ku Klux Klan who were opposed to the presence of Black legislators in the Georgia General Assembly. It also involved the Black legislators themselves who were targeted for removal.
2. What happened?
During Reconstruction, following the Civil War, Black legislators were elected to the Georgia General Assembly for the first time. However, growing racial tensions and white resistance to Black political power led to a campaign of violence and intimidation aimed at forcing the Black legislators out of office. In 1870, a mob of white supremacists attacked the Capitol building in Atlanta, where the General Assembly was meeting, leading to the forced removal of several Black legislators.
3. Where did the event take place?
The event took place in the Georgia State Capitol building in Atlanta.
4. What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
The event took place in the city of Atlanta, which is located in the northern region of Georgia.
5. When did the event take place?
The event occurred in 1870.
6. Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
This event is important because it represents a significant setback for racial equality and political representation during Reconstruction in Georgia. The removal of Black legislators from the General Assembly marked a reversal of progress towards racial equality, and it allowed white supremacists to regain control and perpetuate segregation and discrimination in the state. This event highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by African Americans in their struggle for political power and civil rights during this period of Georgia's history.