Childhood and Education Journey of Richard Russell Jr. in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Richard Russell Jr.. From birth to education, explore key events.

Richard Brevard Russell Jr. was a prominent American politician representing Georgia. He served as the state's 66th Governor from 1931-1933 before a nearly four-decade tenure in the U.S. Senate (1933-1971). By the end of his career, he was the Senate's most senior member. A Southern Democrat, Russell played a significant role in Southern resistance to the civil rights movement throughout his time in the Senate. His long career marked him as a key figure in 20th-century American politics, particularly concerning states' rights and racial segregation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1915: Russell enrolls in University of Georgia School of Law

In 1915, Richard Russell enrolled in the University of Georgia School of Law to begin his formal legal education.

1918: Russell earns law degree

In 1918, Richard Russell earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

November 1932: Release of Paul Muni film based on Robert Elliot Burns' Autobiography

In November 1932, a popular Paul Muni film was released, based on Robert Elliot Burns' autobiography "I Am A Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang!", which detailed Burns' experiences in the Georgia penal system.

1935: Russell continues to support the New Deal

In 1935, as a rift emerged in the Democratic Party, resulting in filibusters and deadlocks, Russell continued to support President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal.

1936: Russell Attacks Race-Baiting

In 1936, Richard Russell, during his campaign, often attacked race-baiting tactics, particularly the claim that New Deal legislation would mostly benefit black people.

1954: Supreme Court rules segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

In 1954, the US Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The ruling caused some senators such as Strom Thurmond, James Eastland, Allen Ellender, and John Stennis to be dispirited.

1956: Russell leads the Southern Caucus

In early 1956, Richard Russell's office was continually used as a meeting place by the Southern Caucus. Russell was the acknowledged leader of the group.

1960: Russell campaigns for Kennedy-Johnson ticket

In 1960, despite calling the Democratic Party platform a "complete surrender to the NAACP and the other extreme radicals at Los Angeles", Richard Russell agreed to campaign for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket for the 1960 United States presidential election.

May 1961: Kennedy requests Russell place the Presidential wreath

In May 1961, President John F. Kennedy requested Russell place the Presidential wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns during an appearance at Arlington National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony.

August 31, 1961: Closed Door Meeting for Senate Armed Services Committee

On August 31, 1961, Richard Russell scheduled a closed-door meeting for the Senate Armed Services Committee at the time of Senator Strom Thurmond requesting the committee vote on whether to investigate "a conspiracy to muzzle military anti-Communist drives."

February 1963: Senate Armed Services Committee briefed by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.

In February 1963, the Senate Armed Services Committee was briefed by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara on policy in the Caribbean. In response to what appeared to be an attack on an American shrimp boat by a "Russian Type Plane", Russell stated that he believed that it would be policy that American airmen would strike down any "Communist jets" in international waters that were attacking vessels.

1964: Russell warns Johnson against deeper involvement in Vietnam War

In 1964, Richard Russell warned President Johnson against deeper involvement in the Vietnam War.

1964: Russell votes against the Economic Opportunity Act

In 1964, despite sympathizing with its objectives, Russell voted against the Economic Opportunity Act, believing that the legislation was too loosely drawn and would result in huge amounts of waste.

June 1968: Warren announces retirement

In June 1968, Chief Justice Earl Warren announced his decision to retire, prompting President Johnson to nominate Abe Fortas for the position. Senator Russell decided in early July to oppose Fortas, bringing most of his fellow Dixiecrats with him.