Dixiecrats

Definition

Dixiecrats were members of the States' Rights Democratic Party, a political faction that emerged in the southern United States during the 1948 presidential election, primarily in response to the civil rights movement. This group sought to maintain segregation and resist federal intervention in state affairs, rallying around a platform that emphasized white supremacy and states' rights. The Dixiecrats represented a significant political and social resistance to the civil rights advancements happening across the nation during that time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dixiecrats formed in response to the Democratic Party's increasing support for civil rights, especially under President Harry S. Truman's administration.
2. The party was led by South Carolina Governor Strom Thurmond, who ran for president in 1948 as their candidate, garnering over a million votes.
3. Dixiecrats emphasized a platform that included strict adherence to segregation and a rejection of any federal laws that would infringe on state authority regarding race relations.
4. The Dixiecrat movement highlighted the deep divisions within American society over race, particularly in the South, as they fought against desegregation and civil rights initiatives.
5. Although their influence waned after the 1948 election, many Dixiecrats eventually joined the Republican Party, particularly during the Southern Strategy in subsequent decades.

Review Questions

• How did the Dixiecrats influence the political landscape of the South during the late 1940s?
  • The Dixiecrats significantly impacted the political landscape of the South by mobilizing support for segregationist policies and states' rights. Their emergence as a powerful faction reflected widespread resistance among white southerners to civil rights advancements. By rallying around a common platform that rejected federal oversight, they maintained a stronghold on Southern politics and set a precedent for later conservative movements within both major parties.
• Discuss how the formation of the Dixiecrat party was a reaction to federal policies on civil rights during the Truman administration.
  • The Dixiecrat party was formed as a direct reaction to President Truman's civil rights initiatives, which included desegregating the armed forces and advocating for anti-lynching laws. Many Southern Democrats felt threatened by these actions, fearing loss of social order and racial superiority. The Dixiecrats capitalized on this sentiment by promoting a platform that fiercely defended segregation and opposed any federal government involvement in state affairs, showcasing a clear divide in American politics over civil rights.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Dixiecrat ideology on contemporary political divisions regarding race and civil rights in America.
  • The long-term effects of Dixiecrat ideology are evident in contemporary political divisions surrounding race and civil rights in America. Their emphasis on states' rights laid a foundation for modern conservative movements that prioritize limited federal intervention in local matters. Additionally, as many Dixiecrats transitioned into the Republican Party during the late 20th century, this shift influenced party platforms to adopt more racially charged rhetoric, thereby perpetuating divisions over issues such as voting rights, affirmative action, and immigration. This legacy continues to shape discussions around race relations and civil rights today.

Related terms

States' Rights: The political belief that states have certain rights and powers independent of the federal government, often used to justify segregation and discrimination.

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws enacted in the Southern United States that enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised African Americans from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Civil Rights Movement: A social and political movement in the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights for African Americans.