George Wallace : Conservative Populist

The story of George Wallace is the odyssey of a young war veteran who entered politics to support progressive policies, but instead descended into the politics of racism following the loss of his lifetime dream of being elected Governor of Alabama in 1958. His political career demonstrates the ability of a demagogue and agitator to exploit racial fears to achieve political power. This work traces the career of the man who symbolized Southern opposition to integration, but ironically ended up gaining overwhelming support from black voters in his final election campaign. He ultimately returned the favor by appointing a large number of blacks to state boards and commissions.