What occurred during the 1906 gubernatorial campaign in Georgia?

During the 1906 gubernatorial campaign in Georgia, there was significant political turbulence fueled by race-related tensions. A central factor that contributed to the heated atmosphere of the campaign was the widespread circulation of rumors claiming that black men were assaulting white women. These rumors were often exaggerated or entirely unfounded, but they stoked fears and prejudices in the white population, leading to calls for stronger racial segregation and the enforcement of Jim Crow laws. This climate of fear and racial animosity significantly shaped the campaign's discourse and influenced voters' perceptions, marking it as a pivotal moment in Georgia's political history.

The other potential answers do not accurately capture the intense social dynamics at play during this specific election period. Economic reforms were not the primary focus, and while voter turnout was affected, it was largely due to the fear-driven atmosphere rather than positive reforms. The transition of power was not peaceful; it was marked by intense racial tensions and conflict. Lastly, the women's suffrage movement was not a major focus during this particular campaign in Georgia, overshadowed by the more pressing issue of race relations and the accompanying voter sentiment.