Leo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia
August 17th, 1915
August 17th, 1915
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.
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