Huey Long was born on the 13th of August 1989 in Louisiana. He was the seventh child in the family. His homeland, Winnfield, was located among the poorest parishes found in the state. However, since Huey’s family were farmers who had livestock, they were considered relatively wealthy. “Long was known for his avid reading, photographic memory and an audacious personality with no inhibitions about offering his opinion” (History.com Editors). His character was impeccable, with great confidence and a smart mind. Nothing would hinder him from giving his own opinion. In a debate competition during high school, he won a Louisiana State University scholarship. He attended a Law School but later withdrew to be a traveling salesman. In late 1912, he was arrested for causing a disturbance in Shreveport’s brothels (History.com Editors). Later he claimed that the reason for his arrest was a false accusation of shooting two men. He had gone to Shreveport to propose marriage to Rose McConnell, who she married in April 1913.
In 1914, Huey joined Tulane University Law School, where he concentrated on his studies for one year. He then got special permission to sit for an exam at the Louisiana bar, where he passed at 21. After winning the Louisiana Railroad Commission’s seat, Huey used his seat to fight utility rates and monopolies, where he won favor from working people. After four years, he became the Louisiana Public Service Commission chairman and petitioned against the telephone company’s raising rates (“Huey Long Biography”). He contested for gubernatorial seat as a Democrat and lost, but he won the seat later in 1928. He is commended for his effort on improving the healthcare, infrastructure and the education system of Louisiana. Huey was a socialist who campaigned for redistribution of wealth. His controversies include loudly denouncing new President using his own ways on the office. Most of his allies turned against him and vowed to never elect his candidates. “Long, with his designs on the office, began denouncing the new president” (History.com Editors). Huey supported Roosevelt as the President, but Roosevelt felt he was threatening. He thought Huey was dangerous and could take his power. He ordered his investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and made sure that he undercut Huey’s popularity. Huey was assassinated by Dr. Carl Weiss, the Judge Benjamin’s son-in-law.
Works Cited
History.com Editors, “Huey Long.” History, A&E Television Networks, 2019.
“Huey Long Biography.” Long Legacy Project, 2020.