one way the political identity of texas developed further after the civil war was through the
emergence of the Democratic Party as the dominant political force in the state. Following the Civil War, Texas experienced a reconstruction period in which military government was implemented to oversee the reintegration of the state into the Union.
During this time, African Americans were allowed to participate in politics and hold public office, which led to the emergence of the Republican Party as a significant force in the state. However, the Democratic Party, largely composed of white Southerners, began to regain control through tactics such as Voter Intimidation and the implementation of poll taxes and literacy tests, which effectively disenfranchised African American voters.
The political power of Democrats in Texas increased significantly during this period, and they became synonymous with the state's political identity. The Democrats maintained their dominance throughout the early 20th century by implementing discriminatory laws and policies, such as Jim Crow laws and segregation, which further solidified their support among white voters.
Additionally, the economic opportunities and resources in Texas, particularly in industries such as oil and agriculture, also influenced the state's political identity. The Democratic Party, with its support for business interests and limited government intervention, appealed to the conservative, pro-business sentiment of many Texans.
Overall, the political identity of Texas developed further after the Civil War through the dominance of the Democratic Party, its discriminatory policies, and the influence of economic interests. This identity continued to shape the state's politics well into the 20th century and beyond.