Strom Thurmond
Strom Thurmond: A Life of Politics and Controversy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Eugene "Strom" Thurmond Jr. was a prominent American politician who held various public offices throughout his life. He is commonly known as Strom Thurmond.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 5, 1902, in Edgefield, South Carolina
Died: June 26, 2003, at the age of 100
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Politician, Lawyer
Early Life and Background
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Strom Thurmond was born on December 5, 1902, in Edgefield, South Carolina. He grew up in a family with strong ties to politics, as his grandfather had served as a U.S. senator. Thurmond's early life shaped his future career, instilling in him a sense of public service and leadership.
Thurmond attended Clemson Agricultural College (now known as Clemson University) before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry. He later earned a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
Major Accomplishments
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Throughout his life, Strom Thurmond held various public offices, including:
U.S. Senator (South Carolina) from 1955 to 2003: Thurmond served as a senator for nearly five decades, making him one of the longest-serving senators in American history.
Governor of South Carolina (1947-1951): Before his time in the Senate, Thurmond served as governor of South Carolina.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable events and actions associated with Strom Thurmond's career include:
Presidential campaign: In 1964, Thurmond ran for president as a candidate for the American Independent Party. Although he did not win, his campaign garnered significant attention.
Civil Rights Act of 1957: Thurmond opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which aimed to protect voting rights for African Americans. His opposition was met with criticism from many in the civil rights movement.
Impact and Legacy
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Strom Thurmond's impact on American politics is multifaceted:
Racial issues: Thurmond's stance on racial issues, particularly his opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957, has been widely criticized. However, it also reflects the complex and often contentious nature of civil rights discussions during this time period.
Long-term service: As one of the longest-serving senators in American history, Thurmond demonstrated a commitment to public service that spans nearly five decades.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Strom Thurmond is widely quoted and remembered for his contributions to American politics. Some notable reasons include:
Extensive career: As one of the longest-serving senators in history, Thurmond's career has had a lasting impact on American politics.
Controversies and debates: His stance on racial issues, particularly the Civil Rights Act of 1957, continues to be discussed and debated among scholars and historians.
Quotes by Strom Thurmond
I am not prejudiced against the Negro. When I was governor, I did more to help the Negroes in our State than any previous Governor, and I think you can find Negro leaders in the State who will attest to this fact.
I fully recognize and appreciate the many substantial contributions of black Americans and other minorities to the creation and preservation and development of our great nation.
I wanna tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that there’s not enough troops in the army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the nigra race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes, and into our churches.
I wanna tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that there's not enough troops in the army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the nigra race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes, and into our churches.
All the bayonets of the Army cannot force the Negro into our homes, into our schools, our churches and our places of recreation and amusement,
An American should be able choose to work in a place where he is with his kind of people and not find that at the counters, desk or benches they will be forced to work, side by side, with all types of people of all races; that in the lunchrooms, rest rooms, recreation rooms, they will be compelled by law to mingle with persons and races which all their lives they have by free choice, avoided in social and business intercourse.
I have done more for black people than any other person in the nation, North or South,