George Wallace

George Corley Wallace Jr. was an American politician and lawyer. He served as the governor of Alabama for many years. He was born in Clio, Alabama and later attended the University of Alabama School of Law. Wallace served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II before beginning his political career.

Wallace was elected governor of Alabama several times. He also tried to become president of the United States. He ran for president three times as a member of the Democratic Party and once with the American Independent Party. In the 1968 presidential election, he won votes in five states.

During his time as governor, Wallace had strong opinions about changes in schools and public places. Later in life, his views changed, and he spoke about fairness for all. Even though he faced many challenges, Wallace continued to serve the people of Alabama until the end of his political career.

Early life

Wallace was born in Clio, Alabama (seen here in 2011).

George Corley Wallace Jr. was born in Clio, Alabama, to George Corley Wallace Sr. and Mozelle Smith. He was called "George C." so people could tell him apart from his father and grandfather. He grew up with two brothers and a sister. During World War I, his father left college to farm when food prices were high. After his father died, his mother sold their farmland to pay debts. Wallace grew up in the Methodist faith.

From a young age, Wallace loved politics. At ten, he won a contest to work in the Alabama Senate. He later went to the University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa, where he joined the Delta Chi fraternity. In 1943, he tried to become a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces, but got very sick. Doctors helped him get better, though he was left with some hearing trouble. He then trained to work on airplanes and flew missions during World War II.

Racial attitude

George Wallace often talked about race when he was in politics. Many people thought his actions showed unfair views about different groups.

He believed some groups were not equal and said things that showed this. His focus on race was an important part of his political career.

Early career

In 1938, George Wallace helped his grandfather win an election. He later became a lawyer for the state of Alabama and then a member of the Alabama House of Representatives in 1946. At first, he was seen as fair to everyone.

Wallace later became a judge. He tried to treat everyone equally in court. But he also supported keeping things the way they were, which upset many people who wanted equal rights for everyone. His views changed after he lost an election in 1958. He then focused more on winning votes.

Governorships and presidential campaigns

George Wallace served as the governor of Alabama for many years and tried to become president several times.

From left to right: Governor Wallace, NASA administrator James E. Webb and scientist Wernher von Braun at the Marshall Space Flight Center in 1965

Wallace first became governor in 1963. During his time in office, he supported new schools and colleges, and helped improve services for people who needed help. He also worked on building roads and supporting teachers.

Wallace tried to become president multiple times. In 1968, he ran as a candidate for another party instead of the Democrats. Later, in 1972, while campaigning for president, he was hurt during an attack. This injury affected him for the rest of his life. Despite this, he continued to serve as governor and even tried to run for president again in 1976 and 1980, but was not successful.

Later in life, Wallace changed his views and apologized for his earlier actions. He continued to serve as governor until 1987.

Personal life

George Wallace married Lurleen Brigham Burns in 1943, and they had four children. Lurleen later became the first woman elected governor of Alabama, taking over for George because he could not serve another term. Sadly, Lurleen had health problems.

After Lurleen died, Wallace married Cornelia Ellis Snively in 1971. They divorced in 1978. In 1981, he married Lisa Taylor, a country music singer, but they divorced in 1987.

Wallace’s daughter Peggy said she was treated unkindly by some people because of her father’s political views. She wanted to be friends with everyone at school, no matter where they came from.

Final years and death

In 1995, George Wallace said he would vote for Republican Bob Dole in the 1996 presidential election. He also talked about voting for another Republican, George H. W. Bush, in an earlier election. Wallace’s son changed from the Democrat to the Republican party that year. Wallace did not pick a party but noted that many people in his state were changing to Republican because of political views.

Later in life, Wallace had health challenges, including losing his hearing and developing Parkinson's disease. He met with two students, Vivian Malone Jones and James Hood, whom he had stood against when they tried to attend the University of Alabama. Wallace apologized for his past actions, and they forgave him. Wallace passed away in 1998 from an infection at a hospital in Montgomery.

Legacy

George Wallace served as governor for many years and was known for his long time in office. Even though he changed some of his views later, many still remembered him for his earlier positions. He tried to become president several times but was not successful. Some movies and books have been made about his life. Several schools and buildings in Alabama were named after him, though some of these names were changed in later years.