Senator Strom Thurmond

Definition

Strom Thurmond was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for 48 years, from 1956 to 2003. He is best known for his long filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957, which lasted over 24 hours and showcased his commitment to states' rights and segregationist policies. His actions in the Senate highlight the use of filibuster as a tool for extending debate and delaying legislation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strom Thurmond's filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957 lasted for 24 hours and 18 minutes, making it one of the longest in Senate history.
2. He was initially a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1964, reflecting the shifting political landscape regarding civil rights.
3. Thurmond's political career began when he served as Governor of South Carolina before being elected to the Senate.
4. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his strong opposition to civil rights legislation and his defense of Southern segregationist policies.
5. Thurmond holds the record as the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, retiring at the age of 100.

Review Questions

• How did Strom Thurmond's use of the filibuster reflect his political beliefs and impact civil rights legislation?
  • Strom Thurmond's use of the filibuster during the Civil Rights Act of 1957 demonstrated his staunch commitment to states' rights and segregationist views. By extending debate for over 24 hours, he aimed to block legislation that threatened his political stance and Southern traditions. This tactic not only highlighted his personal beliefs but also underscored the broader tensions in American society regarding civil rights during that era.
• What were the implications of Thurmond's switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party for his political career and for Southern politics?
  • Strom Thurmond's shift from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 1964 marked a significant realignment in Southern politics. This change reflected a broader trend among Southern politicians who opposed civil rights advancements, leading to increased Republican support in traditionally Democratic regions. It allowed Thurmond to align with a party that began embracing more conservative values and emphasized states' rights, influencing Southern voting patterns for decades.
• Evaluate how Strom Thurmond's legacy and actions in the Senate continue to affect contemporary discussions about race and legislation in America.
  • Strom Thurmond's legacy remains influential in contemporary discussions about race and legislation in America. His lengthy filibuster against civil rights serves as a symbol of resistance to racial equality efforts, and it highlights ongoing debates about the role of legislative tactics like filibustering in shaping policy. Furthermore, his political career illustrates the complexities of Southern identity and its evolution over time, impacting current dialogues on race relations, voter suppression, and legislative reform.

Related terms

Filibuster: A procedural tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on legislation.

Cloture:

A procedure in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote, requiring a minimum of 60 votes to pass.

Civil Rights Act:

Legislation aimed at ending segregation and discrimination based on race, gender, and religion, significantly impacting civil rights in the United States.