Exploros | The Rise of Conservatism

The Rise of Conservatism

Students learn about the century of one-state political rule in Texas. They analyze the factors that led the shift from a strongly Democratic state to a Republican state. Finally they research a prominent political leader in Texas.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience students learn about the century of one-state political rule in Texas. They analyze the factors that led the shift from a strongly Democratic state to a Republican state. Finally they research a prominent political leader in Texas.

In scene 4 students will collaborate in small groups to research one of seven Texas political leaders. Try to ensure that there are at least seven small groups.

Objectives:

Analyze how Texas shifted from a mainly Democratic Party state to a mainly Republican Party state in the late twentieth century.
Identify key leaders in Texas politics.

a horse and an elephant holding American flags

Symbols of the Democratic and Republican Parties

From the end of Reconstruction to the mid-1960s, Texas voters were strongly aligned with the Democratic Party. In this experience, you will learn about the rise of conservatism, a shift that occurred as Texas “turned red.” You will also learn about some prominent Texas political leaders.

Objectives:

Analyze how Texas shifted from a mainly Democratic Party state to a mainly Republican Party state in the late twentieth century.
Identify key leaders in Texas politics.

Supporters of the Democratic Party from the southern states, including Texas, were once called “yellow dog Democrats.” Write an explanation of what the phrase might mean. You can use your imagination.

Post your answer

Tell students that no one is sure of the exact origin of the phrase.

In a speech during the 1848 election, Abraham Lincoln said about the Democratic candidate, Lewis Cass: “A fellow once advertised that he had made a discovery by which he could make a new man out of an old one, and have enough of the stuff left to make a little yellow dog. Just such a discovery has Gen. [Andrew] Jackson's popularity been to you [Democrats]. You not only twice made President of him out of it, but you have had enough of the stuff left to make Presidents of several comparatively small men since; and it is your chief reliance now to make still another.”
The phrase gained popularity during the 1928 presidential race, when many southern voters disliked the Democratic candidate, but voted for him anyway. The slogan arose: “These voters would vote for a yellow dog before they would vote for any Republican.”

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