After Georgia governor John Slaton commuted Leo Frank's sentence, what occurred in Atlanta?

• A. Riots broke out throughout Atlanta, leading the National Guard to be called and martial law declared
• B. Frank was released and given a pension
• C. The case was quickly forgotten by the public
• D. The governor faced impeachment

Answer: (A)

After Slaton’s decision to commute Leo Frank’s death sentence, Atlanta erupted in serious unrest. The commutation touched off widespread outrage and demonstrations, with mobs attacking property and expressing fierce anti-Jewish sentiment. To restore order, the National Guard was called in and authorities imposed martial law in parts of the city. This sequence shows how a high-profile political ruling can trigger immediate, dramatic social upheaval and require a strong government response. The other possibilities don’t fit the outcome: Frank wasn’t released with a pension, the case wasn’t forgotten, and the governor wasn’t impeached.