Why did the South remain solidly Democratic during the third party system?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The South remained solidly Democratic during the third party system due to path dependence from northern Union involvement in the Civil War. The Republican Party, which had emerged in the North during this time, was associated with the Union cause and therefore, was not well-received in the South. The Democratic Party had been the dominant political force in the region prior to the outbreak of the Civil War and continued to enjoy support after the war ended. The party also appealed to white Southerners' desire to preserve white supremacy, which solidified its hold over the region.

Why Did the South Remain Solidly Democratic During the Third