Challenges Faced by George Wallace: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 18, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and George Wallace faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

George Wallace was a prominent American politician, best known as the four-term governor of Alabama. Initially a staunch segregationist, he gained national notoriety for his defiant stance against the Civil Rights Movement, symbolized by his 1963 inaugural address vowing "segregation forever." He unsuccessfully ran for US President multiple times, including a significant third-party bid in 1968. Later in his career, Wallace publicly renounced his segregationist views. Despite his controversial legacy regarding race, Wallace also focused on economic development initiatives during his time as governor.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1943: Accepted for Pilot Training

Early in 1943, George Wallace was accepted for pilot training by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). He then contracted spinal meningitis, causing hearing loss and nerve damage, leading him to train as a flight engineer instead.

1959: Cited for Contempt of Court

In 1959, during efforts to expand voter registration of Black people, George Wallace blocked federal efforts to review Barbour County voting lists and was cited for criminal contempt of court.

June 11, 1963: "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door"

On June 11, 1963, Governor George Wallace stood in front of Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama in a vain attempt to halt the enrollment of Black students Vivian Malone and James Hood. This event is known as the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door."

September 1963: Attempt to Stop School Integration in Huntsville

In September 1963, George Wallace attempted to stop four Black students from enrolling in four separate elementary schools in Huntsville. A federal court intervened, and the children were allowed to enter on September 9, becoming the first to integrate a primary or secondary school in Alabama.

1966: Richmond Flowers championed civil rights

In 1966, then state Attorney General Richmond Flowers championed civil rights and finished second in the Democratic primary with the support of most of Alabama's Black voters.

1970: Wallace seeks Democratic nomination against Albert Brewer

In 1970, George Wallace ran for the Democratic nomination against incumbent governor Albert Brewer. Brewer sought African American voter support and unveiled a progressive platform. Brewer criticized Wallace's out-of-state trips.

May 15, 1972: Wallace shot at Laurel Shopping Center

On May 15, 1972, George Wallace was shot four times by Arthur Bremer at the Laurel Shopping Center in Laurel, Maryland. The shooting left Wallace paralyzed from the waist down, effectively ending his presidential bid. Three others were also wounded.

August 4, 1972: Bremer sentenced to prison

On August 4, 1972, Arthur Bremer was sentenced to 63 years in prison for shooting George Wallace. The sentence was later reduced to 53 years.

1972: Presidential Primary Campaign Ended by Shooting

In 1972, George Wallace ran in the Democratic presidential primaries, his campaign effectively ended when he was shot in Maryland by Arthur Bremer, which left Wallace paralyzed below the waist for the remainder of his life.

November 1975: Wallace announces fourth bid for presidency

In November 1975, George Wallace announced his fourth bid for the presidency, participating in the Democratic presidential primaries. His campaign was affected by voter concerns about his health and media portrayal.