Southern Democrats

Definition

Southern Democrats were members of the Democratic Party who primarily resided in the southern United States, known for their support of states' rights and the preservation of slavery before the Civil War. They played a crucial role in the political landscape of the South, advocating for pro-slavery policies and opposing federal intervention in state matters. Their influence extended into the post-Civil War era, shaping resistance to Reconstruction efforts and impacting civil rights for African Americans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Southern Democrats were a dominant political force in the South before the Civil War, advocating for the protection of slavery as an institution vital to their economy.
2. During the Election of 1860, Southern Democrats split from the national Democratic Party, leading to the nomination of John C. Breckinridge as their presidential candidate who supported expanding slavery into new territories.
3. After the Civil War, Southern Democrats resisted Reconstruction efforts and sought to re-establish white supremacy through various means, including intimidation and violence against African Americans.
4. The 1876 election marked a significant turning point, as Southern Democrats effectively regained control of southern state governments, leading to the end of Reconstruction and the implementation of Jim Crow laws.
5. Southern Democrats maintained political dominance well into the 20th century, often using discriminatory practices to suppress African American voting rights and perpetuate racial segregation.

Review Questions

• How did Southern Democrats influence the political landscape leading up to and during the Civil War?
  • Southern Democrats played a significant role in shaping the political landscape prior to the Civil War by promoting pro-slavery policies and defending states' rights. Their insistence on preserving slavery as essential to the cotton economy led to deep divisions within the Democratic Party, resulting in a split during the Election of 1860. This division allowed for candidates like John C. Breckinridge, who openly supported slavery's expansion, to emerge, which heightened tensions that contributed to secession.
• Discuss the role of Southern Democrats during Reconstruction and their strategies for undermining federal policies aimed at integrating African Americans into society.
  • During Reconstruction, Southern Democrats employed various strategies to undermine federal policies intended to integrate African Americans into society. They utilized violence and intimidation through groups like the Ku Klux Klan to suppress black political participation and ensure white supremacy. Additionally, they enacted laws that restricted African American freedoms and promoted segregation, ultimately leading to a reassertion of control over southern state governments by the late 1870s.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Southern Democrat policies on race relations in America from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement.
  • The long-term impacts of Southern Democrat policies have been profound and lasting on race relations in America. Their resistance to Reconstruction efforts led to systemic racism that persisted through Jim Crow laws, disenfranchisement, and segregation practices well into the mid-20th century. The political strategies employed by Southern Democrats created deep societal divides that contributed to ongoing struggles for civil rights. The Civil Rights Movement was largely a response to these entrenched inequalities, as activists sought to dismantle the legacy of oppression established by Southern Democrats during this period.

Related terms

Cotton Economy: The economic system in the South that relied heavily on cotton production and slave labor, creating a strong incentive for Southern Democrats to defend slavery.

Jim Crow Laws:

State and local laws enacted in the late 19th century that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans, supported by Southern Democrats during Reconstruction.

Dixiecrats: A splinter group from the Democratic Party formed in 1948 by Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights initiatives and wanted to maintain racial segregation.