Strom Thurmond

Definition

Strom Thurmond was an influential American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for 48 years, from 1956 to 2003. He is notable for his role in the Dixiecrat Party and his long-standing opposition to civil rights legislation, making him a prominent figure in the context of notable third-party and independent campaigns in the U.S.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thurmond originally ran for president in 1948 as a Dixiecrat, highlighting his strong opposition to desegregation and civil rights reforms.
2. He set a record for the longest filibuster in Senate history in 1957 when he spoke for over 24 hours against the Civil Rights Act.
3. Despite his initial hardline stance on race, Thurmond later moderated his views, particularly as the South shifted politically towards the Republican Party.
4. Thurmond was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was influential in shaping various judicial appointments throughout his lengthy career.
5. His political career reflected significant changes in party alignment in the U.S., particularly regarding race and civil rights issues over the decades.

Review Questions

• How did Strom Thurmond's early political career reflect the values and priorities of the Dixiecrat Party?
  • Strom Thurmond's early political career was deeply intertwined with the values of the Dixiecrat Party, which emphasized states' rights and opposition to federal intervention in racial issues. His presidential run in 1948 showcased these priorities as he campaigned against civil rights reforms. Thurmond's stance on segregation and his advocacy for Southern interests positioned him as a leading figure within this party, illustrating the regional resistance to desegregation during that era.
• Discuss how Strom Thurmond's filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957 exemplified the broader resistance to civil rights legislation at that time.
  • Strom Thurmond's filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was a significant event that highlighted the fierce opposition to civil rights legislation during that period. By speaking for over 24 hours, he aimed to block a bill intended to protect voting rights for African Americans. This action not only underscored his personal commitment to maintaining segregation but also reflected a wider sentiment among many Southern politicians who resisted federal efforts to promote racial equality, revealing deep divisions in American society at that time.
• Evaluate how Strom Thurmond's political evolution mirrored changes in American politics regarding race from his early career to his later years.
  • Strom Thurmond's political evolution is a fascinating case study of changing attitudes toward race in American politics. Initially, he was a staunch advocate for segregation and an icon of Southern resistance through his affiliation with the Dixiecrats. However, as political dynamics shifted in the South towards Republican ideals, Thurmond adapted his positions, notably softening his stance on race relations. This transformation illustrates how individual politicians can reflect broader societal changes while also impacting party strategies and voter alignment over time.

Related terms

Dixiecrat Party: A short-lived political party that emerged in 1948, formed by Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights initiatives, advocating for states' rights and racial segregation.

Civil Rights Movement: A social movement during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing legal rights for African Americans in the United States.

Independent Candidate: A political candidate who does not belong to or is not officially affiliated with any established political party.