Date of Award

9-16-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

C. Williams

Abstract

This thesis examines the life and career of Benjamin T. Laney, Jr., the thirty-third governor of Arkansas, who, in full embrace of his conservative affiliation, left a progressive legislative legacy to the State of Arkansas. Little has been written about Laney, and this study attempts a comprehensive exploration of his political career, the legislative accomplishments of his administration, his involvement with the Dixiecrat movement in 1948, and career as a former governor. Using Laney's papers, including letters, speeches, and news clippings, this study also seeks to answer why Laney never fully committed to the Dixiecrat movement, a moniker that impacted the rest of his life and overshadowed the legislative accomplishment of his administration.

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