Redneck Liberal: Theodore G. Bilbo and the New Deal

History

Morgan, Chester M.

Americas

Louisiana State Univ Pr

“Theodore Glimore Bilbo was, is, and evermore shall be God or Satan. He dwelled―dwells― in heaven or hell, but never in limbo.” So wrote A. Wigfall Green almost a quarter of a century ago, and so remains the popular perception of this colorful and controversial symbol of a faded era, though current opinion would tip the scales heavily in favor of the satanic and hellish. Theodore Bilbo is remembered almost exclusively as the Archangel of white Supremacy. His reputation as perhaps the vilest purveyor of racist rhetoric is richly deserved in light of his vehement opposition to the black civil rights movement that emerged during the last years of his career as United States senator from Mississippi. Yet, as Chester Morgan demonstrates in Redneck Liberal, the conventional image of Bilbo as merely a racist demagogue paints only half the picture. Bilbo served a full term in the Senate (1934-1940) before his political career was consumed by racism, and it is that period that is the focus of this study by Morgan. Bilbo’s first term in the Senate coincided with Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. Morgan provides a thorough treatment of Bilbo’s activities in Washington and his large role in Mississippi politics. In the Senate Bilbo consistently gave strong support to virtually all New Deal social and economic programs, such as relief for the unemployed, social security, public housing, and fair labor standards, while at the same time championing the cause of the nation’s small farmers in every way he could. His crude and often repulsive style may have antagonized the more sophisticated liberal academics and bureaucrats of the time, but his first-term voting record would have been the envy of any urban New Dealer. Morgan’s early chapters provide background on Bilbo’s long career prior to his election to the Senate (he served twice as governor of Mississippi, for instance) and also on the main trends in Mississippi politics from Reconstruction to the 1930s. An epilogue seeks to explain the well-known, virulently racist attitude of his final years. Throughout the book Morgan manages to capture the flamboyance of Bilbo’s personality and the vitality and intricacy of Mississippi politics. Redneck Liberal―only the second book on Bilbo ever to be published―draws heavily on Bilbo’s personal correspondence, the papers of Franklin Roosevelt, and other primary sources.

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

LSU Press

Dearly bought, deeply treasured: The University of Southern Mississippi, 1912-1987

Education & Teaching

Schools & Teaching

University Press of Mississipp

Originally established March 30, 1910, as Mississippi Normal College, The University of Southern Mississippi was built on 120 acres of cutover timber land and created to provide training for public school teachers. Chester M. Morgan outlines the evolution of the institution and tells the story of a gracious heritage born of adversity and nurtured by a century of perseverance and determination. From the success of its graduates and the passion of its faculty to its ability to meet and conquer challenges brought by scarce state funding, world wars, social movements, and natural disasters, the author captures the persistent spirit and strength that is the unchanging force behind the university's success.
Following the institution's transition from Mississippi Normal College (1912-1924), to State Teachers College (1924-1940), to Mississippi Southern College (1940-1962), to its current designation as The University of Southern Mississippi (1962-present), the story captures every element and facet of campus life. From academics and arts to athletics and administration, the author presents a rich and varied look at how Southern Miss became the modern comprehensive university it is today.

Treasured Past, Golden Future: The Centennial History of the University of Southern Mississippi

University Press of Mississippi/University of Southern Mississippi

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Books by Morgan, Chester M.