How did political alignment in the South change during Kennedy’s and Johnson’s presidencies?

Answer 1

During Kennedy's presidency, political alignment in the South began to shift as he advocated for civil rights and racial equality. This stance alienated many Southern Democrats who held segregationist views, leading to some of them switching their political allegiance to the Republican Party. However, there were still many Southern Democrats who remained loyal to the party, especially as Kennedy's efforts for civil rights were more moderate compared to later developments.

During Johnson's presidency, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 further solidified the shift in political alignment in the South. Many Southern Democrats opposed these landmark pieces of legislation, leading to a significant realignment of political allegiances in the region. The so-called "Southern Strategy" by the Republican Party also contributed to the shift, as they actively courted disaffected Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights reforms.

Overall, Kennedy's and Johnson's presidencies marked a turning point in the political landscape of the South, with many conservatives in the region ultimately aligning themselves with the Republican Party due to their opposition to civil rights and racial equality measures.