How did the public respond to Leo Frank’s trial and sentencing?

The response to Leo Frank's trial and sentencing was characterized by intense public outrage that culminated in violence, notably his lynching. Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Atlanta, was convicted in 1913 for the murder of Mary Phagan, a young employee. His trial was marked by significant anti-Semitic sentiment and sensationalist media coverage, which fueled public passions. After his conviction, a mob formed in 1915, breaking into the prison where Frank was held and lynching him in Marietta, Georgia. This event underscored the deep-rooted prejudices of the time and highlighted the failure of the justice system, as well as the impact of mob mentality on legal proceedings.

The intense emotions surrounding Frank's case and the subsequent lynching reflect the broader societal tensions of the era, particularly regarding race and ethnicity, and illustrate a period in American history where public opinion could sway dramatically and result in tragic outcomes.