Paper 1:”Change and Reaction in the Early Twentieth Century: The Trial of Leo Frank” (5 pages) In 1913, Leo Frank was accused of raping and murdering a thirteen-year-old factory worker, Mary Phagan, in his Atlanta workplace.After two years of trials and appeals, an Atlanta mob lynched Leo Frank.Many historians see this as a conflict brought about by a rapidly changing America and those who sought to slow or even reverse the rising modernism of the 1920s.You will be given access to a set of documents about the case as well as research and find additional documents yourself.The paper assignment is to answer the question:

QUESTION

Paper 1:“Change and Reaction in the Early Twentieth Century: The Trial of Leo Frank” (5 pages) In 1913, Leo Frank was accused of raping and murdering a thirteen-year-old factory worker, Mary Phagan, in his Atlanta workplace.After two years of trials and appeals, an Atlanta mob lynched Leo Frank.Many historians see this as a conflict brought about by a rapidly changing America and those who sought to slow or even reverse the rising modernism of the 1920s. You will be given access to a set of documents about the case as well as research and find additional documents yourself.The paper assignment is to answer the question:

‘What does your reading of the assigned documents tell you about the rising tensions in early 1900s America, both in Atlanta itself as well as in America as a whole?’

The primary sources for this paper will be both provided to you through the website below.You may use secondary works on the subject to answer specific factual questions if you feel the need but the paper should be based only on your interpretation of the assigned primary documents.

Sources:

1.Your set of documents can be found online at the following website:

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/fran…

This website is from the law school at University of Missouri, Kansas City and is part of a larger project that has gathered documents from numerous famous trials in American History.The Leo Frank Trial site contains a variety of documents relating to the trial including testimony, depositions, summations, public speeches, etc.

Grading Criteria:I will evaluate all papers on quality of writing as well as the content and persuasiveness of the argument.I suggest that you write and rewrite your papers several times before you submit them.All papers should be double-spaced, typed in 12-point ‘Times New Roman’ font, with 1-inch margins all around, properly documented (footnotes or endnotes), and within the page limits.These guidelines on papers will be discussed in a class session before the first paper is due to make sure that everyone is clear on the requirements.Be sure to re-read these before writing every paper because you will be penalized for failing to meet these requirements.

Citations:Since the vast majority of your cited sources will be from the website the appropriate manner of citing internet sources is as follows.For an example of a footnote it would be:

¹⁵ John Adams, “Summation of John Adams,” Famous American Trials: The Boston Massacre, n.d.

(4 September 2000).

A secondary citation of the same document would be:

¹⁷Adams, “Summation of John Adams.”

Since there is typically going to be only one source of documents, there is no need for a bibliography.

ANSWER

Change and Reaction in the Early Twentieth Century: The Trial of Leo Frank

Introduction

The trial of Leo Frank in 1913, accused of raping and murdering Mary Phagan, a thirteen-year-old factory worker, sheds light on the rising tensions in early 1900s America. This pivotal case exemplifies the conflicts arising from the rapid societal changes occurring during this era. By examining the assigned documents from the Leo Frank Trial, this paper aims to explore the tensions prevalent in both Atlanta and America as a whole during this transformative period.

The Modernization of America

The assigned documents reveal the impact of rapid modernization in early 1900s America. The emergence of industrialization and urbanization led to profound societal changes, challenging traditional values and power structures (Research Guides: Trial and Lynching of Leo Frank: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction, n.d.). Leo Frank, a Northern Jewish factory superintendent, represented the changing face of America, creating a clash between traditional Southern values and the encroaching modernism.

Regional Tensions and Prejudices

The documents highlight the deep-rooted regional tensions and prejudices that contributed to the rising tensions in Atlanta. The South’s history of racial discrimination and the legacy of slavery perpetuated racial animosity, particularly against African Americans. The trial of Leo Frank became a battleground for these tensions, as anti-Semitism blended with anti-modernism sentiments to fuel the prosecution’s case.

Anti-Semitism and Anti-Modernism

The documents provide evidence of the anti-Semitic sentiments prevalent during the trial. Frank’s Jewish background became a focal point of the prosecution’s narrative, utilizing stereotypes and prejudices to sway public opinion against him (Cała, 2021). The rise of modernism in the 1920s threatened the traditional Southern way of life, leading some to view Frank as a symbol of the encroaching forces of change.

Populist Backlash and Mob Violence

The trial and subsequent lynching of Leo Frank reflect the growing populist backlash against perceived threats to traditional values (Augustyn, n.d.). The rise of the Ku Klux Klan and other nativist groups during this time exemplified the reactionary response to societal changes. The mob violence that led to Frank’s lynching demonstrated the extreme measures some were willing to take to halt the forces of modernization.

National Implications

The Leo Frank trial and its aftermath reverberated beyond Atlanta, showcasing the broader tensions present in America as a whole. The case garnered national attention, leading to debates about anti-Semitism, due process, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. The trial became a symbol of the struggle between tradition and progress, highlighting the complexities of a nation grappling with its identity in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

The assigned documents from the Leo Frank Trial illuminate the rising tensions in early 1900s America, both in Atlanta and across the nation. The trial served as a catalyst for these tensions, bringing to the forefront the conflicts between traditional values and the forces of modernization. The anti-Semitism, regional prejudices, populist backlash, and mob violence witnessed during this trial exemplify the challenges faced by a society undergoing rapid transformation. The Leo Frank case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating societal change and the lasting impact of such tensions on American history.

References

Augustyn, A. (n.d.). 100 Years Since the Death of Leo Frank. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/100-years-since-the-death-of-leo-frank 

Cała, A. (2021). Jew. The Eternal Enemy? The History of Antisemitosm in Poland. www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/48987320/Jew_The_Eternal_Enemy_The_History_of_Antisemitosm_in_Poland 

Research Guides: Trial and Lynching of Leo Frank: Topics in Chronicling America: Introduction. (n.d.). https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-leo-frank