The years Southern State Governments fell to the Republicans

In 1870's the reconstruction occupation period of the southern, former Confederate states ended, and elections were once again held. Every single state voted in a Democratic governor, as the party represented a pro-segregation, pro-states' rights platform that was in direct opposition to the agenda of the former northern-imposed, Republican governments.

Even after the civil rights reforms of the 60's, most state governments remained staunchly Democratic. Most were forced to evolve with the times in order to stay in power. Only recently have the decades of one-party rule finally ended.