George Wallace

George Corley Wallace Jr. was an American politician and lawyer who 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 and 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 strongly opposed changes that would bring people of different racial backgrounds together in schools and public places. His views changed later in life, and he spoke about his belief in fairness for all. Even though he faced many challenges, including an attack that left him with lasting effects, Wallace continued to serve the people of Alabama until the end of his political career.

Early life

George Corley Wallace Jr. was born in Clio, Alabama, to George Corley Wallace Sr. and Mozelle Smith. He was called "George C." to 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 during his time in politics. Many people believed his actions were based on unfair views about different groups.

He thought some groups were not equal and made comments that showed this belief. His focus on race was a big part of his political career.

Early career

In 1938, George Wallace helped his grandfather win an election. Later, he 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 someone who was fair to everyone, no matter their background.

Wallace later became a judge and was known for treating everyone equally in court. However, he also took actions that 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, and he began focusing more on winning votes by appealing to people's fears and prejudices.

Governorships and presidential campaigns

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

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 by someone trying to harm him. 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, asking for forgiveness from those he had treated unfairly. He continued to serve as governor until 1987.

Personal life

George Wallace married Lurleen Brigham Burns in 1943, and they had four children together. Lurleen later became the first woman elected governor of Alabama, stepping in for George because he could not serve another term. Sadly, Lurleen faced serious health issues that were not properly addressed.

After Lurleen’s passing, Wallace married Cornelia Ellis Snively in 1971. They had a difficult divorce in 1978. Later, in 1981, he married Lisa Taylor, a country music singer, but they divorced in 1987.

Wallace’s daughter Peggy shared that she faced unkind treatment in public because of her father’s political views. She remembered wanting to be friends with everyone at school, regardless of their background.

Final years and death

In a 1995 interview, George Wallace said he planned to 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 switched from the Democrat to the Republican party that same year. Wallace himself 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 faced 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 previously 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.