The impeachment and trial of Governor William W. Holden, 1870-1871

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Lowell Thomas Young (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Richard Bardolph

Abstract: William Woods Holden, in spite of his illegitimate birth into an environment of ignorance and poverty, became one of the most influential figures of North Carolina history. He was a key figure in the politics of his state from the time he became the editor of the North Carolina Standard in 1843 until 1871. The Standard became the most influential paper in the state, and he was chiefly responsible for shaping three political parties in North Carolina -- the Democratic, Conservative, and Republican. Holden led the peace movement in the state during the Civil War, and, as a result, was appointed Provisional Governor in 1865. Holden's ultimate ambition was to be the duly elected governor of North Carolina, and in 1868, after a number of defeats, he achieved this goal. Holden, who was now the leader of the Radical Republicans in the state, had been elected by the Negro vote. The conservative element in the state determined to destroy Holden in order to overthrow the Republican Party and restore white supremacy. The activities of the Ku Klux Klan became so violent in certain parts of the state that the Governor was forced to resort to the use of martial law to restore order. This "War" with the Klan led directly to his impeachment.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1965
Subjects
Holden, W. W. $q (William Woods), $d 1818-1892
Governors $z North Carolina
Impeachments $z North Carolina
Trials (Impeachment) $z North Carolina
North Carolina $x Politics and government $y 1865-1950

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