Huey Long, born on August 30, 1893, in Winnfield, Louisiana, was the seventh of nine children in a middle-class family. He attended local schools and eventually went on to study at Tulane University, where he earned a law degree. Long was an ambitious and determined young man from a young age, and his education laid the foundation for his future political career.
Long first entered politics in 1918 when he was elected as a railroad commissioner, a position that he used to advocate for the interests of the working class. In 1928, he was elected Governor of Louisiana, where he implemented a number of progressive policies, including building new roads, schools, and hospitals, and providing free textbooks for schoolchildren.
Long's time as Governor was marked by controversy and corruption, but he was a charismatic leader who was able to connect with the working-class voters of Louisiana. He was known for his fiery speeches and his populist rhetoric, which resonated with many people who were struggling during the Great Depression.
In 1932, Long was elected to the United States Senate, where he continued to champion the cause of the poor and oppressed. He was a vocal critic of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal policies, arguing that they did not go far enough in addressing the needs of the working class.
Long's most enduring legacy was his creation of the Share Our Wealth movement, which called for the redistribution of wealth in America. He proposed a series of radical measures, including a net asset tax on corporations and individuals, to ensure that every American had a minimum standard of living.
Long's ideas were controversial, but they struck a chord with many people who were suffering from the effects of the Great Depression. He traveled around the country, giving speeches and rallying support for his cause, and he was seen as a potential threat to the established political order.
In 1935, Long's political career was cut short when he was assassinated by a lone gunman in the Louisiana State Capitol building. His death was a shock to the nation, and it remains a subject of controversy and conspiracy theories to this day.
Long left behind a complicated legacy. He was a flawed and controversial figure, but he was also a passionate advocate for the poor and downtrodden. His ideas continue to influence political discourse in America, and his life and career are still the subject of much debate and discussion.
Long was married to Rose McConnell Long, and they had three children together. His eldest son, Russell, followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful politician in his own right.
Despite his untimely death, Huey Long's impact on American politics cannot be understated. His populist ideas and progressive policies continue to inspire politicians and activists to this day, and his name is still evoked in discussions of wealth inequality and social justice.
Long was a larger-than-life figure who had a lasting impact on the state of Louisiana and the nation as a whole. His commitment to fighting for the rights of the poor and working class makes him a figure worth remembering and studying, even decades after his death.