This book examines the Mississippi Constitutional Convention of 1890 and argues that it became the crucible of change in the state, creating a cultural shift from a society based on class to one based on race, though both remained important in the culture. State leaders called the convention to address the threat from outside the state – the Lodge Elections Bill – as well as the rising violence within the state. The convention delegates created layers of qualifiers for voting: payment of the poll tax, literacy, the Understanding Clause, no felony convictions, and lengthy residency requirements ... More

This book examines the Mississippi Constitutional Convention of 1890 and argues that it became the crucible of change in the state, creating a cultural shift from a society based on class to one based on race, though both remained important in the culture. State leaders called the convention to address the threat from outside the state – the Lodge Elections Bill – as well as the rising violence within the state. The convention delegates created layers of qualifiers for voting: payment of the poll tax, literacy, the Understanding Clause, no felony convictions, and lengthy residency requirements. In addition, the delegates utilized reapportionment to further strengthen provisions to disfranchise not only African Americans, but also a number of poor white voters. The newly promulgated constitution then withstood attacks by Congress during the debates over the Lodge Elections Bill and appeals to the federal courts, especially with Williams v Mississippi. The delegates succeeded in their charge to disfranchise, but in doing so unleashed new violence and a struggle to control the state that held it back economically and politically for seven decades.