Product Description

Whereas other studies have focused on George Wallaces career as a national figure, provides a detailed, comprehensive, and analytical study of Wallaces political life that emphasizes his activities and their impact within the state of Alabama.Jeff Frederick answers two fundamental questions: What was George Wallaces impact on the state of Alabama? Why did Alabamians continue to embrace him over a twenty-five year period? Using a variety of sources to document the states performance in areas including mental health, education, conservation, prisons, and industrial development, Frederick answers question number one. He cites comparisons between Alabama and both peer states in the South and national averages. Wallaces policies improved the state, but only in relation to Alabamas past, not in relation to peer states in the region or national averages. As a result, energy was expended but little progress was made.To answer the second question, Frederick uses the words of Alabamians themselves through oral history, correspondence, letters to the editor, and other sources. Alabamians, white and eventually black, supported Wallace because race was but one of his appeals. shows that Wallace connected to Alabamians at a gut level, reminding them of their history and memory, championing their causes on the stump, and soothing their concerns about their place in the region and the nation.Jeff Frederick examines the development of policy during the Wallace administrations and documents relationships with his constituents in ways that go beyond racial politics. He also analyzes the connections between Wallaces career and Alabamians understanding of their history, sense of morality, and class system. Stand up for Alabama was the governors campaign slogan.