As Governor from 1942-1947, Ellis Arnall was considered one of Georgia’s most progressive modern politicians. Arnall had many progressive accomplishments while in office, many of which hurt his image among white Georgians. After his tenure as governor, Arnall worked for the Truman Administration and came back to run for governor in 1966. This campaign booklet is from his 1966 run, but it highlights many of his accomplishments during his earlier career. What is different about the points Arnall highlights for his campaign? Why might Eugene Talmadge, his successor, have hated Arnall so much?
SS8H10
“Manning, Selvage & Lee/ Atlanta Forward Atlanta Campaign photographs”
The Atlanta Chamber of Commerce hired the public relations firm Manning, Selvage & Lee/Atlanta to work on the Forward Atlanta campaign. The Forward Atlanta campaign worked to bring major businesses and industries to the city. The Forward Atlanta campaign began in 1925 with a national advertising campaign and it succeeded in bringing new businesses to Atlanta. The photographs in this collection are from the second Forward Atlanta campaign launched in 1961. Similar to the first campaign, the second Forward Atlanta campaign brought another wave of new businesses that altered the Atlanta skyline. Architect John Portman’s buildings particularly reinvented the cityscape. The photographs in this collection were used to promote Atlanta to potential businesses.
Click here to view and search the collection in the Georgia Archives
“Agriculture in Georgia” Advertising Pamphlet
Population in the rural areas saw a sharp decline after WWII. Nearly 28,000 families left farming between 1945 and 1950. Although the number of farms decreased the average size of Georgia farms increased. Improvements in farming technology and techniques made farming more efficient. From the pamphlet, what did you notice that might be helping farming develop and change since the late nineteenth century? How does this change the population of farmers?
“Agriculture in Georgia.” Atlanta : Agricultural and Industrial Development Board, 1948. From the Georgia Historical Society Rare Pamphlet Collection. F291 .G312 1948
Photograph of Construction in progress on Buford Dam
In Forsyth county, the Buford Dam was completed in 1957 and created Lake Lanier and flowed into Forsyth and Hall counties. The dam was a political accomplishment, supported by Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield and newly elected Governor Talmadge for its benefits, such as flood control and water supplies. Moreover, technological advances made the engineering of this dam possible and successful. Lake Lanier would go on to be used not only for practical concerns, but also for enjoyment. It is frequently used for water sports and in 1996, it held the rowing, canoeing, and kayaking Olympic competitions.
Click here to read the image description in the Georgia Archives
Set 10: Post-WWII Developments in Georgia
Georgia would not be the same after World War II. During WWII billions of dollars were invested in war industries and military bases throughout the South. Wartime activities brought relief from the economic depression and the economic boom continued after the war’s end. Atlanta became the center of commerce and industry for Georgia and the entire South. Leaders like Ivan Allen, Jr. and William Hartsfield promoted Atlanta to the world as a progressive business city. Atlanta built new stadiums and attracted major league sports teams to the city. In rural areas, Georgia’s agriculture benefited from diversification and modernization. Ellis Arnall brought sweeping changes to Georgia during his term as governor from 1940 to 1942. Major changes also came through the modern Civil Rights Movement which is the focus of the second half of this primary source set. There are four primary sources dedicated to SS8H10. Moreover, this guide will provide extra primary and secondary resources for the classroom