Southern Democrats

Definition

Southern Democrats were members of the Democratic Party who lived in the Southern United States, particularly after the Civil War, and played a crucial role in shaping the region's political landscape during Reconstruction and beyond. They typically supported states' rights, were aligned with white supremacy, and resisted federal intervention in local affairs, often opposing the civil rights of freedmen and maintaining the social hierarchy that favored whites.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Southern Democrats dominated Southern politics after Reconstruction, often implementing policies that undermined the rights of African Americans.
2. They opposed measures like the Emancipation Proclamation and were instrumental in enacting Jim Crow laws to enforce racial segregation.
3. During Andrew Johnson's presidency, Southern Democrats influenced policies that aimed to restore white supremacy and limit the rights of freedmen.
4. The Compromise of 1877 marked a significant shift where Southern Democrats regained power, leading to the end of federal enforcement of Reconstruction efforts.
5. The long-term consequences of Southern Democrat policies contributed to decades of racial discrimination and inequality in the South.

Review Questions

• How did Southern Democrats influence Reconstruction policies and affect African Americans' rights during this period?
  • Southern Democrats had a significant impact on Reconstruction policies by actively opposing federal efforts to secure civil rights for African Americans. They resisted initiatives such as the Freedmen's Bureau and sought to reestablish pre-war social norms through Black Codes. This opposition severely limited African Americans' ability to vote, own land, or fully participate in society, effectively maintaining a system of oppression despite their formal emancipation.
• Discuss how the actions of Southern Democrats following the Civil War contributed to the establishment of Jim Crow laws.
  • Following the Civil War, Southern Democrats worked relentlessly to restore white supremacy by enacting Jim Crow laws that institutionalized racial segregation. Their influence on state legislatures allowed them to legally disenfranchise African Americans and impose discriminatory practices in public spaces, education, and employment. These laws not only reinforced racial divisions but also served as a tool for Southern Democrats to maintain political power over a marginalized population.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Southern Democratic policies on race relations in America from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights Movement.
  • The long-term effects of Southern Democratic policies created a deeply entrenched system of racial inequality that persisted well into the 20th century. By implementing Jim Crow laws and opposing civil rights advancements, they fostered an environment of systemic racism that limited African Americans' opportunities for economic and social advancement. This legacy contributed to ongoing struggles for civil rights, culminating in significant movements during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at dismantling these oppressive systems. The resistance from Southern Democrats highlighted deep-rooted issues that would require decades of activism and legislation to address.

Related terms

Dixiecrats: A faction of the Democratic Party in the 1940s that emerged in opposition to civil rights initiatives, representing Southern Democrats' continued support for segregation and white supremacy.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the South that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the post-Reconstruction era into the mid-20th century.

Redeemers: A political coalition in the South during the late 19th century made up of Southern Democrats who sought to regain control from Reconstruction governments, promoting white supremacy and economic conservatism.