Who was involved in the Removal of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction.
The removal of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction involved several key individuals and groups. Some notable figures include:
1. Members of the Georgia Democratic Party: The Democratic Party in Georgia strongly opposed the political and social advancement of Black people during this period. They sought to restore white supremacy and used various tactics to suppress Black political power.
2. Ku Klux Klan (KKK): The KKK was a white supremacist terrorist organization that targeted Black political leaders during Reconstruction. They used intimidation, violence, and voter suppression tactics to exert control and suppress the Black vote.
3. White paramilitary groups: Various paramilitary groups, such as the Red Shirts and the White League, emerged during this time. They were predominantly composed of former Confederate soldiers and sympathizers who were committed to preventing Black political influence.
4. Georgia State Legislature: Democratic lawmakers in Georgia actively worked to restrict the political power of Black legislators. They employed tactics such as gerrymandering, redistricting, and passing laws to create barriers for Black voters.
5. Thomas M. Norwood: Norwood, a Democratic candidate, defeated African American Republican state senator Jefferson Long in a controversial election in 1872. This was a significant setback for Black political representation in Georgia.
These various actors and their actions ultimately led to the expulsion of Black legislators from the Georgia General Assembly, effectively dismantling much of the political progress made by African Americans during Reconstruction.