The Decline of Agriculture and the Rise of Republican Party Strength in the South

In recent decades, there has been an extensive examination of the resurgence of the Republican Party in the American South in the period after World War II. There were many events that occurred during this time period that might have helped the Republican Party achieve increased success at getting Republican candidates elected in the South. One of the relationships that should be explored is the relationship between the decline of agriculture as the primary provider of jobs and economic prosperity, and the increased ability of the Republican Party to win election to public office. The purpose of this project is to determine whether there is a relationship between the decline in agriculture, class changes and the increases in Republican Party strength. Analyses herein tentatively support this interpretation and suggests the need for future research in this area.