Stand Up for Alabama: Governor George Wallace

The Modern South

by Jeffrey Frederick

Whereas other studies have focused on George Wallace’s career as a national figure, Stand Up for Alabama provides a detailed, comprehensive, and analytical study of Wallace’s political life that emphasizes his activities and their impact within the state of Alabama. Jeff Frederick answers two fundamental questions: What was George Wallace’s impact on the state of Alabama? Why did Alabamians continue to embrace him over a twenty-five year period? Using a variety of sources to document the state’s performance in areas including mental health, education, conservation, prisons, and industrial development, Frederick answers question number one. He cites comparisons between Alabama and both peer states in the South and national averages. Wallace’s policies improved the state, but only in relation to Alabama’s past, not in relation to peer states in the region or national averages. As a result, energy was expended but little progress was made.

 

To answer the second question, Frederick uses the words of Alabamians themselves through oral history, correspondence, letters to the editor, and other sources. Alabamians, white and eventually black, supported Wallace because race was but one of his appeals. Stand Up for Alabama shows that Wallace connected to Alabamians at a gut level, reminding them of their history and memory, championing their causes on the stump, and soothing their concerns about their place in the region and the nation.

 

Jeff Frederick examines the development of policy during the Wallace administrations and documents relationships with his constituents in ways that go beyond racial politics. He also analyzes the connections between Wallace’s career and Alabamians’ understanding of their history, sense of morality, and class system. “Stand up for Alabama” was the governor’s campaign slogan.

490 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on George Wallace as governor of Alabama. I grew up in South Alabama during the 60's & 70's when Wallace was at the height of his power. My parents must have done a good job of sheltering me, as I was unaware of much of the turmoil noted in this book. I had free textbooks (some were worn) and even had "gifted" instruction in 6th grade. Freedom of Choice (4th grade) saw a few Black students and teachers. By 6th grade, my school was totally integrated. I don't remember any major issues with the students but I do remember a few old men picketing outside the school on the 1st day. My mom said they were Klan members who lived in another part of the county. I was more afraid of them than I was of the black students and teachers. By the time we graduated in 1975, their were black honor students, black majorettes and cheerleaders, etc. I guess some school systems adjusted better than others.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has a qualified 4 stars. On one hand, it is thoroughly researched, and offers very comprehensive analysis of the Wallace Administration in Alabama--mostly, as there is one part missing: the end. The review of Governor Wallace's years in the Statehouse careen to a halt with the announcement by Governor Wallace in early 1986 that was not running for re-election that year.

But that's it. There was further review of how the last 9 months or so of George Wallace's term unwound. Nor was there any assessment of whether or not Governor Wallace, after his retirement, had any impact on the 1986 governor's race, or the 1990, or the 1994, or, even the 1998 election in Alabama.