what contributed to Eugene Talmadge's popularity among rural white georgians and his elector success?
his advocacy for increased taxes and government spending
his commentment to maintaining high auto tag fees and property taxes
his promises to allevaite hardships for farmers by cutting auto tag fees reducing property taxes and lowering utility rates
his indiffrence to the challenges faced by farmers during the depression
Eugene Talmadge's popularity among rural white Georgians and his electoral success can be attributed to several factors. However, it's important to note that Talmadge was a controversial figure, and his popularity differed among different groups within rural white Georgians.
1. Agrarian policies: Talmadge's advocacy for alleviating hardships faced by farmers played a crucial role in his popularity. During the Great Depression, farmers were struggling, and Talmadge promised to address their concerns. He proposed measures such as cutting auto tag fees, reducing property taxes, and lowering utility rates, which resonated with the farming community.
2. Support for segregation: Talmadge was widely known for his white supremacist views and his commitment to maintaining racial segregation. During a time when racial tensions were high, his stance on segregation appealed to many rural white Georgians who were resistant to any changes that threatened their established social order.
3. Populist rhetoric: Talmadge was a charismatic and skilled orator who effectively used populist rhetoric to connect with rural voters. He portrayed himself as a champion of the common people against the political elites and portrayed his opponents as out-of-touch and corrupt.
4. Indifference towards challenges faced by farmers: While this may seem contradictory, Talmadge's indifference to the challenges faced by farmers during the Depression may have actually contributed to his popularity. Some rural white Georgians saw this as a sign of Talmadge's independence from and opposition to the federal government's intervention in their lives.
It is important to note that Talmadge's policies, such as advocating for increased taxes and government spending, and commitment to maintaining high auto tag fees and property taxes, may not have directly contributed to his popularity among rural white Georgians. His popularity stemmed more from his promises to alleviate hardships for farmers and his white supremacist views, as well as his skill as a populist politician.