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SEGREGATION:
The adoption of the 1890 constitution, the white ruling class used its power to protect it’s own interest. The state began creating new laws to separated the races-
Violations of this rigid system often sparked violent punishment or LYNCHING. Between 1889-1945 Mississippians lynched 476 people-24 of these people were white. 14 were black females and the majority were black males.
EDUCATION
A weak economy and racism caused MS to neglected the education of it’s children.
There was no public education system in the state prior to Reconstruction
Teachers were not educated. White teachers were paid $130 a year. Black Teachers were paid $90 a year. 75% of all teachers studied in the rural schools were they taught.
Educational opportunities varied by counties. A portion of the school funding came from paying
the $2 poll tax. Poll tax was used to keep poor whites and blacks from voting.
Agriculture
After Civil War credit was tight. Farmers did not have $ to pay workers wages. Poor Farmers did not have $ to buy land As a result Poor White Farmers and Freedmen
turned to Sharecropping. A sharecropper did NOT own the land, the
house he/she lived in, or the tools they used. They worked the land and paid rent in the
form of a portion of the yearly crop. In 1890 60% of all farm families were
sharecroppers
AGRICULTURE PROBLEMS 1907
BOLL WEEVIL: Beetle that attacks cotton before it’s fibers open.
Devastated the crops for several years Farmers in the SW portion of the state
started farming tung trees, dairy coms and tomatoes.
The Boll Weevil is still a pest today.
LUMBER INDUSTRY
1880-1930 White pine forest of Mississippi were clear cut
The area known as the Piney Woods Cities such as Hattiesburg, Laurel and
Moss Point developed because of the Timber Industry.
The Populist Revolt
After CW Federal Gov’t was controlled by Republicans. They favored business over farmers. Passed higher taxes on manufactured goods.
Farmers suffered because nation was on gold standard instead of Silver. Silver was more plentiful.
Money was scarce – cost of borrowing was high.
Populist Cont.
Farmers needed cheap $ to buy equipment and supplies. Wanted $ backed by silver
Issue caused nationwide Political Revolt Mississippi it was called MS Farmers
Alliance. Was organized to help small farmers challenged the most powerful insiders. (James George)
1891: MS Farmers Alliance endorsed Ethelbert Barksdale Editor of Jackson Newspaper/George was elected
Populist Cont.
1891 Populist Party was formed to help small farmers
Demanded Tariff reform Graduated income tax Regulation of Railroad The use of silver $ Election of Senators instead of appointment
The election of 1891 The Democrats played the race card and won.
Populist Democrats take Control
1903 James Vardaman was elected Governor. He represented the poor whites of the Hills and Piney Woods. His racism, showmanship and populism won their votes.
The Progressive Movement
Progressives believed that Government was best equipped to correct the ills of society.
1911 election Vardaman elected Senator Bilbo LT. Governor.
1915 Bilbo elected Governor: Man of the People: Created:
State Tax Commission Developed pardons board Tuberculosis hospital Charity hospital Training school for delinquents Passed a Compulsory school attendance law Anti-lobby law Education received highest appropriation in history