how is the 1946 governor race important to georgias history
The 1946 governor race in Georgia was significant in the state's history as it marked a turning point in race relations and politics in the South. The race was between Eugene Talmadge, a staunch segregationist, and his opponents, Ellis Arnall and James Carmichael, who were more moderate on racial issues.
Talmadge, who had served as governor three times before, campaigned on a platform of white supremacy and opposition to civil rights for African Americans. However, in a surprising turn of events, Talmadge died shortly before the election, leading to a constitutional crisis over who would become the next governor.
In the end, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the legislature could choose the next governor, and they selected Talmadge's son, Herman Talmadge, despite the fact that he had not been on the ballot. This decision solidified the power of the political machine that controlled Georgia for decades and entrenched segregationist policies in the state.
The 1946 governor race in Georgia demonstrated the deep-seated racism and political corruption that characterized the South at the time. It also foreshadowed the civil rights movement that would eventually challenge and dismantle these systems of oppression.