GDA - Progressive Accomplishments of Ellis Arnall (Lesson)

Progressive Accomplishments of Ellis Arnall 

Introduction

Governor Arnall created a legacy in Georgia in just a few short years. His goal was to bring change to every person living in the state. He focused on reforms that would modernize the state and have a large impact on its national image. He focused on changing it from a poor, rural state to one of the most progressive states in the South.  .

 

Ellis Arnall

View the presentation below.

 
 

Three Governors Controversy

The Three Governors Controversy began in December 1946 with the death of governor-elect Eugene Talmadge. His supporters proposed a plan that allowed the Georgia General Assembly to elect a governor in January 1947 when they reconvened for the legislative session.

Per the Georgia state constitution, the election results were not official until they were certified by the legislature each January following the election every 4 years.

The General Assembly elected Talmadge’s son, Herman Talmadge to the governorship. The newly elected governor-elect Melvin E. Thompson and his supporters challenged Talmadge’s election by the General Assembly and then-sitting governor Ellis Arnall refused to surrender his hold on the office.

All three men claimed to be governor.Ultimately the Georgia Supreme Court decided the case.

Finally, Arnall relinquished the office, but there were still two men, Herman Talmadge and Melvin E. Thompson, who claimed the office.

This chaos caused embarrassment nationally for the state and for Georgia business leaders.

In March 1947 the Georgia Supreme Court decided that lieutenant-governor elect Melvin E. Thompson would serve as governor until a special election could be held in September 1948. Herman Talmadge won the special election---handily defeating Melvin E. Thompson---and Talmadge served the remaining term (til 1951.)

 

Modern Georgia Governors

Click on the items in the timeline below to learn more about modern Georgia Governors.

 

 

Review

Review what you've learned by completing the activity below.

There were several progressive reforms completed by Governor Ellis Arnall. Can you name 6?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Arnall created a legacy in Georgia in just a few short years. His goal was to bring change to every person living in the state. He focused on reforms that would modernize the state and have a large impact on its national image. He focused on changing it from a poor, rural state to one of the most progressive states in the South.   

  IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS