Why did Benjamin Tillman want a new constitution for South Carolina
Benjamin Tillman, a prominent figure in South Carolina politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocated for a new constitution for South Carolina for several reasons. One of the main reasons was to increase the power and influence of the white majority in the state. Tillman believed that the existing constitution, which had been in place since the Reconstruction era, was too favorable to African Americans and was hindering the ability of white politicians to fully control the state government.
Tillman wanted a new constitution that would disenfranchise African Americans and ensure that white supremacy was enshrined in the state's political system. He argued that the existing constitution, with its provisions for African American voting rights and representation, was a relic of a bygone era and needed to be replaced with a document that reflected the realities of the time.
Additionally, Tillman believed that a new constitution would allow for more efficient and effective governance in the state. He argued that the existing constitution was outdated and led to inefficiencies and corruption in the state government. By creating a new constitution, Tillman believed that South Carolina could modernize its governance structure and better serve the needs of its citizens.
Overall, Tillman wanted a new constitution for South Carolina in order to solidify white supremacy, increase the power of white politicians, and modernize the state's governance structure. His efforts eventually led to the adoption of a new constitution in 1895 that achieved many of his goals.