Southern Democrats

Definition

The Southern Democrats were a faction of the Democratic Party that existed in the 19th century, primarily in the South. They were known for their support of slavery and opposition to civil rights for African Americans.

Related terms

Secession: This is the act of withdrawing from an organization or federation, like how some southern states withdrew from the United States before the Civil War.

Popular Sovereignty: This was a political doctrine that allowed settlers in federal territories to decide whether to enter the Union as free or slave states.

Dred Scott Decision: A controversial Supreme Court ruling that stated Congress could not prohibit slavery in federal territories, which was supported by many Southern Democrats.