Comparative history of Huey P. Long and Maurice Duplessis

¶ … History of Huey P. Long and Maurice Duplessis

The political quest for power can take many forms. Leaders use certain tools to gain power. However, different leaders use similar tools differently. Leaders must often choose whether they are for the people or for the establishment. Big, business and large institutions are considered to be in opposition to the people. Although many have attempted to seek a balance of power between these two entities, a true partnership between the establishment and the common people is yet to be achieved. It appears that taking power from one means giving power to the other. Politicians are forced to choose sides under the current social arrangement between big business and the general population.

To explore this issue further, we will explore the lives of two prominent gentlemen in politics. Both of these men ruled are contemporaries of one another and ruled during similar trying historical times. Both of these men had similar tools at their disposal, but used then differently. These two men were Huey P. Long, former Governor and U.S. Senator from Louisiana and Maurice Duplessis, Premier of Quebec. This research will explore the lives of these two men and will use comparison and contrast to support the central thesis. This research will support the thesis that a political tool is nothing more than that, a tool that can be used to give or take power from the people.

Life of the Kingfish

In order to offer several points for comparison, let us first examine the highlights of the colorful and adventurous life of Senator Huey P. Long, referred to as the Kingfish. Huey P. Long, a Democrat from Louisiana, became famous for his radical populist stance. His long career included positions from U.S. Senator, and a presidential bid against Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. He placed his bid to lead the country through turbulent financial times, with a plan to restore wealth to the ailing American economy of the Great Depression. The following will outline the highlights of his colorful political career.

To gain a thorough understanding of the influences that shaped a person, one must look into their early childhood. Huey P. long was born August 30, 1893 in Winnfield, a rural area in the north-central portion of Louisiana. He was the son of Huey Pierce Long Sir, and Caledonia Palestine Tyson. His mother was of French descent. His family owned a farm and was, for the most part, middle-class. He went to local schools and was said to be an excellent student, with an astounding memory

. His father remarried after the death of his mother.

Long's first political coup was to circulate a petition at the school, asking that the principal of Winn Parish be fired. This act got him expelled from school

. It is not surprising that Huey, with his fiery personality, won a debating scholarship to attend Louisiana State University. However, he was unable to afford books, so he could not attend

. He spent the next four years using his charisma as a traveling salesman, promoting canned goods and patent medicines. He also worked as an auctioneer

. This was hardly the beginning that one would expect from a future successful politician.

In 1913, Huey married Rose McConnell, a stenographer, who had incidentally won a baking contest that he promoted

. He had a daughter named Rose, and two sons, Russell and Palmer

. Sales jobs grew scarce during World War I, so Long decided to attend seminary classes at Oklahoma Baptist University. However, he never finished this endeavor either, as he decided that preaching did not suit him.

Long then began another college career, attending the University of Oklahoma School of Law. He later attended the Tulane University Law School in New Orleans

. Once again using his charismatic personality, he convinced the board to let him take the bar exam after only one year of school. He passed the bar and began a private law practice in Winnfield

. His business grew and soon he found himself representing small plaintiffs against big businesses. He fought for the common man, representing workers in worker's compensation suits. He was proud of the fact that he never took a case against a poor man

Long's most famous case was when he sued Standard Oil for unfair business practices. He challenged Standard Oil for their influence over state politics and their willingness to use the state's enormous oil supply, at little cost to themselves. This feat was Long's most successful venture to date, winning him an elected position on the Louisiana Railroad Commission. He won this position on an anti-Standard Oil platform

. This coup set the stage that would launch his political career later on in life. His style included fervently attacking opponents. He stood for the common man, working against big business. He fought against rate increases and monopolies.

Long continued to gain popularity with the populace, winning a suit against Cumberland Telephone and Telegraph Company for unfair charges. This coup returned $440,000 to 80,000 customers. He successfully won the appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court as well

. In 1924, Long ran used his pull with the populace to run for Governor of Louisiana. In his usual style, he attacked Parker, Standard Oil, and the established political regime on all levels. It was during this time that he began the practice of wearing his trademark white linen suits

. He used sound trucks and the public radio to make addresses. These practices were ahead of their time, but Long had the personality and charisma to make it work. Surprisingly, he refused to take a stand for or against the Ku Klux Klan, a primary issue of the campaign

. He came in third, but the reason for the loss is not certain.

After the loss, Long was reelected to the Public Service Commission. He used this time to continue building his reputation and a strong political organization

. He used local demographics to his advantage, supporting Catholic candidates to build support. In 1928, he placed another bid for governor. Once again turning to populist ideals, his campaign slogan was "Every man a king, but no one wears a crown"

. Long was not the originator of this phrase, but rather it can be accredited to presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan

Long's campaign appeals to the lower classes and concentrated on the rural areas. He knew that that in order to win, he would have to appease the populace. The oil companies and big business were key campaign contributors, but Long knew that they were only a handful of votes, compared to the poor and rural population. Long knew that votes won elections and dollars only went so far. Long used class resentment among the poor as a platform against corrupt local politics

At the time of Long's campaign, Louisiana was plagued with problems. They had the highest illiteracy rate in the nation

. Families in Louisiana were so poor that they could not purchase textbooks for their children, a problem that Long had experienced himself. A poll tax kept the poor from voting, essentially taking away their constitutional rights and giving the wealthy powers that be almost unlimited control. Literacy and understanding tests were administered selectively to again exclude the poor population. African-Americans faced the worst of these conditions. Long sympathized with the plight of the poor, having come from a rural farming background himself. He was a candidate for the common man and worked to make the lives of the poor and underprivileged in Louisiana better.

Long won the 1928 election by using class resentment of the poor to his favor. Long won by a landslide. Long bridged the north and southern populations of Louisiana. During his time as governor, Long attempted to fix many of the problems that plagued the government he turned the Louisiana government upside down, firing hundreds of opponents in the state bureaucracy

. Long attempted to fulfill his campaign promises, providing free textbooks to school children and providing night courses for adults to improve literacy

. He tried to improve the lives of Louisiana's poor.

Long was responsible for vast improvements in the infrastructure, building new roads, bridges, hospitals and schools

. Long's proposals were popular with the average Louisiana citizen, but they met opposition from those in power, as they took money from their pockets. Long often showed up on the House and Senate floor, personally attacking those that opposed his measures. He became a real freedom fighter for the poor and soon achieved hero status among the common people. His power was not universal and he had enemies that did not agree with his reforms.

In 1929, Long called a session of both houses of the legislature to enact a tax on refined oil. This tax was to be used to help fund his social reforms. In a surprise move, opponents of the tax moved to impeach Long, using trumped up charges from blasphemy, to corruption, bribery, and misuse of public funds

. The session erupted in brawl, and in the end, the vote favored impeachment

. This became known as "Bloody Monday." This time, Long's bullying tactics did not work.

Long took his case to the people, claiming that his impeachment was a raucous attempt by Standard Oil to deprive the people of what they deserved. As the trial began, Long passed around "Round Robin" document that was signed by more than one -- third of the Senate members. The round robin document stated that they did not believe his offenses warranted removal from office

. As it takes an over two-thirds vote to remove him from office, the impeachment attempt failed. Long rewarded his faithful with state jobs, favors and some say cash as well

. Long became more harsh with his enemies, founding a newspaper to promote his ideas. Long began to receive death threats and was forced to surround himself with body guards

In 1930, Long placed a bid for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Long delayed his resignation from the governor's sear, and began his term in the Senate in 1932. From the years of 1930-1932, Long gained strength for many of his social programs. He continued to promote infrastructure improvements, including a bridge over the Mississippi and a new Louisiana State Capital Building. Long continued to have opponents, particularly among the old families of high society. However, Long had his own group of supporters, more common than other high ranking politicians. Long earned his nickname, "the Kingfish" after the leader of the Mystic Knights of the Sea Lodge, from the popular Amos 'n' Andy radio Show.

In 1931, Lieutenant Governor Cyr argued that the Senator-elect could no longer remain governor and that he should be the governor. Long surrounded the capital building with National Guard troops and fended of the illegal overthrow attempt. Long successfully had Cyr removed as Lieutenant Governor and replaced by Alvin Olin King

Long carried his same zeal and passion for the people with him to the U.S. Senate, where he served from 1932-1935. Once again, Long endeared himself to the people and drew fervent opposition from fellow Senators. Not one of his resolutions were passed by his colleagues throughout his career in the Senate

. Long continued to oppose big business and to fight for the rights of the people. President Roosevelt considered Long a radical, expressing fear that he was power hungry. Long was charged with election fraud, by opponent Overton. Once again winning over his opponents.

Long continued to maintain control over Louisiana, while in the Senate. This was his most criticized move, as it blurred the line between the Federal government and the State

. Long introduced many bold actions to the Louisiana legislature, even while serving as Senator on a Federal level. Long wished to take control from local old family ties. He began a reorganization of the state government that almost ended local governments altogether. He also passed a tax on lying, and a 2% tax on newspaper earnings

. He eventually succeeded in passing the tax on oil passed that nearly got him impeached several years earlier

. Long used his ambition and energetic personality to became a force to be reckoned with.

Long expressed his plans to become President while still working as a traveling salesman. He had a plan that included election to a minor state office, then governor, then senator, then the Presidency

. His life path followed this plan exactly, except for the final phase. Long was so confident in his ability to achieve his goals that he wrote a book about his first days in the white house before he even publicly announced his plans

. This book was published after his death. Share Our Wealth was his platform, which had an appeal with the common people of the United States. His plan was to break from the Democrats, forming a new party based on his Share Our Wealth platform. Long gave Roosevelt a good run for the Presidency, but in the end, Roosevelt prevailed.

Long's opposition continued until his death in July 1935. He is said to have learn of a plot to assassinate him. On September 8, 1935, the rumored plot proved true and Long was shot once or twice by the assassin

. It is rumored that a medical doctor was responsible for his demise. The Dr. Weiss was immediately shot more than fifty times by Long's bodyguards and police on the scene

. Details of he incident are unclear and the real scenario that played out on that day remains a mystery. Weiss's father was one of Long's most fervent opposition in earlier years. Long's funeral was well attended by his many supporters.

The Life of Maurice Duplessis, Premier of Quebec

Maurice Duplessis was a contemporary of Huey P. Long. Unlike Long, he was a strong supporter of local rights. Duplessis's early life was much less colorful than Long's. He was born in Trois-Rivieres, the son of a local politician. He obtained his law degree from the Universite Lavals' Montreal Branch. He was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1913

. This is a much less colorful beginning than Long's start as a traveling salesman. Duplessis had the financial support of his family and did not have to struggle to gain his political position. His father undoubtedly provided him with the skills needed for a successful political career.

Like Long, Duplessis began his political career by winning a small position as the candidate for the Conservative Party of Quebec. He was reelected to his seat for a second term. In 1933, Duplessis won party leadership

. Duplessis was also popular with reformists and liberals, but did not express the extremism that Long did in his early years.

Duplessis used political scandal as a tool to unseat opponents and gain his wishes. For instance, two weeks before the 1935 provincial election, he formed the Action liberale national, a group of liberals that had quit the old Liberal party of Quebec

. He lost the election, but was able to unseat the winner's by means of exploiting a family scandal, leading to the winner's resignation

. Like Long, Duplessis was wiling to use any means necessary to advance his own agenda.

In the 1936 election, Duplessis and his newly formed party won the election, unseating liberal rule of the past thirty-nine years

. Duplessis won a second term as Premier in the 1944 election. While Long faced serious opposition throughout his political career, Duplessis's power was virtually unopposed. He became known as le chef, which translates to "the chief" or "the boss." He was elected to five terms of office, four of them consecutive (CITE). He was the last leader in Quebec to retain power for such an extended period of time.

When one looks at the career of Duplessis, one could characterize his rule as authoritarian. He used patronage of important persons, anti-Communist propaganda, and forceful methods against labor unions. Long used his charisma as a key tool to gain power. Duplessis took control by force. One of the key differences between the doctrines of Duplessis and Long is that Duplessis limited access to education for the common population. Long was a strong supporter and promoter of education for the masses, concentrating on providing, rather than depriving the masses of educational opportunities. Duplessis used ignorance as a form of control. Long felt that ignorance was his greatest enemy. It is easy to see where these two differences in opinion developed. Duplessis came from a wealthy upbringing, possibly learning that ignorance was a form of control from his father. Long was deprived of his early education by poverty. He knew what it felt like to have to forego an education and pound the streets to make a living. Long never forgot the hardships of his early career. He always remembered what it was like to be poor. Duplessis never had to experience poverty in the way that Long did. Differences in their early childhood form key reasons for the policies that they adopted and held throughout their political career.

Support for Duplessis came from other upper class officials and the elite of Quebec. He strongly opposed the formation of labor unions, as they would harm the wealth of the upper class and give power to the working man. Duplessis wanted to keep the working man down and protect the interests of big business. Long wished to uplift the working man, which drew harsh criticism, and sometimes violence from big business owners. Whereas Duplessis passed legislation that would limit the power of the lower class, Long passed legislation that would limit the power of the upper class.

Like Long, Duplessis had the support of the Catholic Church in its political agenda. Duplessis actively opposed Jehovah's Witnesses and used his influence to revoke liquor licenses from their businesses

. Long also sometimes used his political power for his own personal satisfaction, but he stayed away from targeting religious groups. He recognized the political power of the Catholic Church and the advantages that it would have for his political career, but he did not actively take actions that would cause division among the general Louisiana population. Long was more focused on macro-level reforms and the ultimate goal of the Presidency.

Long was on a crusade against political corruption and oppression of the people. Duplessis was known for its corrupt nature and questionable ties with the Roman Catholic Church

. Duplessis kept close ties with big business, was known for vote-fixing and other unscrupulous acts. Long's unpopularity with big business and the authorities was a result of trying to break the power of these organizations. Long's opposition accused him of misdeeds throughout his career, but in the end, he won the day and was never proven in any of the accusations.

Long was once accused of voter fraud, but the charges were never proven. Duplessis, on the other hand, was accused of framing UN party leader Daniel Johnson for voter fraud, went 4,000 fake voter slips were found inside a train station locker (CITE). The people did not trust Duplessis, but had little power to unseat him. His support came from big business and was based on alliances and back-door deals. Long was viewed by the people as champion for the people and an enemy of big business. Duplessis was viewed as an enemy of the people and a champion of big business.