Huey Long
Huey Long: The Kingfish of Louisiana
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#### Full Name and Common Aliases
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Huey Pierce Long Jr., commonly known as "The Kingfish" due to his charismatic leadership and influential power base in Louisiana.
#### Birth and Death Dates
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Born on August 30, 1893, in Winn Parish, Louisiana; died on September 10, 1935, after being assassinated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
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American politician and lawyer who served as the 40th Governor of Louisiana (1928-1932) and a United States Senator from Louisiana (1932-1935).
Early Life and Background
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Huey Long was born to Huey Pierce Long Sr. and Caledonia Tison Long in Winn Parish, Louisiana. Growing up in poverty-stricken rural Louisiana, he drew inspiration from his father's struggles as a sharecropper and developed a strong sense of social justice. Long attended high school in Winnfield before enrolling at the Louisiana State University (then known as Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College) in 1912.
Long's early life was marked by hardship and tragedy, including the loss of his father to pneumonia when he was just nine years old. However, this experience only strengthened his resolve to better himself and those around him. After graduating from LSU with a law degree in 1915, Long began practicing law in Winnfield before entering politics.
Major Accomplishments
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As Governor of Louisiana (1928-1932), Huey Long implemented numerous reforms aimed at improving the lives of the state's most vulnerable citizens. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Free Textbooks for All Students: Long introduced a program that provided free textbooks to every student in the state, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Electrification of Rural Louisiana: He invested heavily in rural electrification projects, bringing power to thousands of homes and businesses throughout the state.
Road Construction and Highway System Development: Long oversaw the construction of numerous highways and roads, connecting rural areas to urban centers.Notable Works or Actions
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During his time as Governor and Senator, Huey Long also championed several key pieces of legislation, including:
The "Every Man a King" program, which aimed to provide affordable healthcare and education to every citizen.
The Sugar Trust Investigation, where he exposed monopolistic practices by large sugar corporations.Impact and Legacy
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Huey Long's impact on Louisiana was profound. His policies and programs had far-reaching effects on the state's economy, education system, and social welfare landscape.
Long's charismatic leadership style and commitment to progressive ideals earned him a reputation as one of the most influential politicians of his time. While he faced intense criticism from opponents and critics, Long's unwavering dedication to his constituents helped build a lasting legacy that continues to shape Louisiana politics today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Huey Long's quotability stems from his passionate advocacy for social justice and his ability to distill complex ideas into simple, memorable phrases. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"Every man a king; but no one wants the responsibility."
* "He had the courage of his convictions, and he fought with all his might."
Long's legacy extends far beyond his time in office. His commitment to empowering ordinary citizens and challenging established power structures has inspired generations of politicians, activists, and leaders.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Huey Long remains one of the most quoted figures in American politics. His words continue to inspire hope and mobilize action among those fighting for a more just and equitable society.
Quotes by Huey Long
Huey Long's insights on:
One of these days the people of Louisiana are going to get good government – and they aren’t going to like it.
In a political fight, when you’ve got nothing in favour of your side, start a row in the opposition camp.
I’m a dyed-in-the-wool party man. I don’t know just what party I am in right now, but I am for the party.
Those of you who come in with me now will receive a big piece of the pie. Those of you who delay, and commit yourselves later, will receive a smaller piece of pie. Those of you who don’t come in at all will receive – Good Government!
I don’t know much about Hitler. Except that last thing, about the Jews. There has never been a country that put its heel down on the Jews that ever lived afterwards.
They kept on hollering, and I simply had to put my foot down. I said, ‘I’m the governor and I say the ignorant in this state have to learn, blacks as well as whites.’ And they learned.
