Nature Of Murder
In the period of 1900 to 1920 few murders had origins in long-term, hostile relationships rather most were committed for reasons that were impersonal.
95% of murders were committed by men, with the rate for women staying in the same proportion as male rate went up and down
Often murder stemmed from sudden disputes, predatory killings involving rape, or robbery
Big Factors that led to murder in Alabama during the twenty year period were…
- Decentralized government: weak enforcement, brought about by the end of the civil war
- Legacy of slavery: which left a prominent hatred between whites and Blacks (in addition to Jim crow laws and a lot of racial discrimination)
- Honor: in the south when a person felt offended (like his honor was being called into question or made a mockery of) they would often resolve their perceived slight through acts of violence which would end up with someone getting murdered.