Leo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia

August 17th, 1915

August 17th, 1915

Leo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia
How Long Ago?

109 years, 6 months, 26 days ago

Location

Marietta, Georgia, USA

Category

Crime & Law

People
  • Leo Frank
  • Mary Phagan
  • John Slaton
Links & References
Tags

Leo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia

Leo Frank, a Jewish American factory manager, was lynched by a mob in Marietta, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of Mary Phagan was commuted by Governor John Slaton. The case garnered national attention due to its ethnic and racial undertones and highlighted issues of anti-Semitism in the United States at the time.

Leo Frank was a Jewish factory manager.

Mary Phagan, a girl, was murdered in 1913.

Governor John Slaton commuted Frank's death sentence.

Frank's lynching ignited national outrage and debate.

What Happened?

Leo Frank was convicted in 1913 for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a case that stirred significant public sentiment and media frenzy in Georgia. As the only Jew in a predominantly Christian Southern community, Frank's trial drew scrutiny and highlighted the era's deeply entrenched anti-Semitic attitudes. On June 21, 1915, amidst great public outcry and protests, Governor John Slaton commuted Frank's death sentence to life imprisonment, citing legal concerns over the trial's fairness. Slaton’s decision was met with intense backlash from local citizens who believed in Frank's guilt. On August 17, a large group of men, later identified as a mob, abducted Frank from prison, drove him to Marietta, and lynched him near the site where Mary Phagan's body was found. This public act of violence was symbolic of the era’s prevalent racial and social tensions, and it marked a turning point in American society regarding issues of justice and equality.

Why Does it Matter?

The lynching of Leo Frank is significant as it reflects the broader societal issues of racism and anti-Semitism present in the early 20th century America. It sparked outrage among Jewish communities nationally and galvanized efforts to combat anti-Semitism, ultimately leading to the formation of organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League. The case also underscored the flaws in the American legal system and the dangers of mob justice, making it a pivotal moment in discussions around civil rights in the United States.

Discover More Historic Events from August 17th

Crime & Law

Deadly Wedding Bombing in Kabul

August 17th, 2019 5 years ago

A bomb detonated during a wedding ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in 63 fatalities and injuring 182 others. The attack occurred in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood, which is known for its Hazara Shia community. This incident highlighted the ongoing violence in Afghanistan amidst a fragile peace process with the Taliban. Attendees were celebrating when the explosion ruptured the festivities, causing mass panic and devastation.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Bombing at Erawan Shrine in Bangkok

August 17th, 2015 9 years ago

A bomb exploded near the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 19 deaths and injuring over 123 people. The blast occurred in the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection, a popular tourist area known for its luxury hotels and shopping centers, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The bombing targeted a site considered sacred in Thai culture, raising concerns about safety and security in the country. Many victims were foreign tourists, showcasing the attack's broader implications on Thailand’s tourism industry.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Devastating Accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam

August 17th, 2009 15 years ago

An accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam in Russia led to a catastrophic failure of the hydroelectric power station, resulting in the deaths of 75 workers. The incident caused significant disruption to the local power supply, plunging the area into darkness. Investigations revealed that the disaster was caused by equipment failure and inadequate safety measures. The event raised concerns about the safety standards of large hydroelectric projects in Russia.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Michael Phelps Wins Eight Gold Medals at Olympics

August 17th, 2008 16 years ago

American swimmer Michael Phelps achieved a monumental feat by winning eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This unprecedented accomplishment showcased Phelps's remarkable talent in swimming, with wins in various events, including individual and team relays. His determination and rigorous training were pivotal in this journey, making him a celebrated figure in sports history. Competing against the world's best swimmers, Phelps’s performance captivated audiences and further elevated the profile of competitive swimming worldwide.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Mass Bombings Across Bangladesh by Terrorists

August 17th, 2005 19 years ago

On a single day, over 500 bombs were detonated across 300 locations in Bangladesh. The campaign affected 63 out of 64 districts, marking one of the most widespread attacks in the country. The orchestrators aimed to instill fear and draw attention to their radical agenda. The violence resulted in injuries and heightened security concerns nationwide as law enforcement scrambled to manage the chaos and prevent further attacks.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

First Forced Evacuation of Gaza Settlers Commences

August 17th, 2005 19 years ago

The Israeli government initiated the withdrawal of settlers from Gaza, marking the start of a significant policy change. The forced evacuation involved the removal of approximately 8,500 settlers from 21 communities in the region. This action was prompted by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate the settlements for security and political reasons. As soldiers began their operations, tensions rose between security forces and the settlers, leading to intense confrontations.

Continue Reading