The Man in the Middle: Richard B. Russell, Jr. and the Burgeoning Realignment of the Democratic Party Open Access

Drucker, Aaron C. (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/vt150k02c?locale=en
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Abstract

This thesis examines three critical moments that illuminate the fissures erupting within the
Democratic Party prior to the 1948 Dixiecrat revolt. It does so by focusing on Georgia Senator
Richard B. Russell, Jr. and his role in opposing three controversial civil rights bills: President
Roosevelt's bill to reorganize the federal judiciary and his ensuing attempt to purge southern
conservatives from the Democratic Party, the Wagner-Van Nuys anti-lynching bill, and
legislation regarding the permanent establishment of a Fair Employment Practices Commission.

Table of Contents

Introduction...................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Franklin Roosevelt's Court-Packing and Purge Schemes.........................................................5
Chapter 2: Opposition to the Anti-Lynching Campaign.........................................................................15
Chapter 3: Harbinger of Change: The FEPC........................................................................................30
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................41
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................46

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