What was the traditional political affiliation of the Solid South?

The traditional political affiliation of the Solid South was Democratic. After the Civil War and into the early 20th century, Southern states consistently supported the Democratic Party. This was largely a reaction against the Republican Party, which had been associated with the Union during the Civil War and with the push for civil rights and Reconstruction policies that were often unpopular in the South.

During this period, the Democratic Party became the party of white supremacy in the region, embracing segregationist policies and opposing civil rights for African Americans. This phenomenon was reinforced by the disenfranchisement of Black voters and the establishment of Jim Crow laws, which solidified Democratic control.

It wasn't until the mid-20th century, particularly post-World War II and during the Civil Rights Movement, that significant shifts began to occur. The Democratic Party’s increasing support for civil rights alienated many white Southern voters, ultimately leading to a transformation in party allegiance toward the Republican Party during the latter part of the 20th century.