Huey P. Long: Southern Demagogue or American Democrat?

Southern Demagogue or American Democrat? edited with an Introduction by Henry C. Dethloff Long, perhaps the most famous and flamboyant personality in Louisiana's colorful history, changed forever the course of the state's political development. Born in 1893 on a pine-hill farm near Winnfield, Louisiana, Huey's abilities matched his lofty political aspirations. After briefly attending Tulane Law School shortly before World War I, Long entered the legal profession first at Winnfield and later at Shreveport. He became a member of the Louisiana Railroad Commission in 1918 and used his influence in that position to extend utility services, to lower telephone rates, and to mount a personal crusade against Standard Oil Company, which he accused of monopolizing the state's oil pipe lines. Long used his position on the Railroad Commission as a stepping-stone to more important offices. In 1924, he ran unsuccessfully for governor, but, four years later, Long mounted a successful gubernatorial cam