What does the term “solid south” mean?

the South’s long one‑party loyalty to the Democratic Party after Reconstruction, delivering near‑uniform Democratic electoral support across former Confederate states

Who wanted to replace the Constitution of 1868? Why?

conservative Democrats and Redeemers sought to replace the Reconstruction‑era 1868 constitution because they viewed it as imposed by Northern Republicans and as legitimizing Republican rule and Black political power

Describe the basic characteristics of the Constitution of 1877.

conservative reaction, restoration of white Democratic control, reduced executive/taxing power, legislative dominance, and provisions that supported segregation and limited reforms associated with Reconstruction

What was the purpose of the County Unit System?

to allocate primary votes by county in a way that amplified rural (small‑county) influence over urban voters, preserving rural Democratic power in statewide primaries

What was Henry Grady’s vision of a New South?

industrialization, diversified agriculture, and northern investment to modernize the Southern economy while maintaining white political leadership

How did Grady attempt to attract northern investment? Was it successful?

he used speeches, editorials, and boosterism (national tours and press) to sell Southern opportunities to Northern capital; this attracted some industry and rail investment but results were partial and uneven

What obstacles did farmers face in the late nineteenth century?

falling crop prices, overproduction, high debt, exploitative credit and rail rates, and isolation in markets

What solutions did they develop?

cooperatives, the Farmers’ Alliance, political organizing, and eventually the Populist platform demanding regulation of railroads, monetary reform, and credit relief

Why did some Alliancemen decide to join the People’s Party?

to move from economic protest to electoral politics and push systemic reforms they couldn’t achieve through existing parties

Who was Georgia’s most prominent Populist?

Thomas E. Watson, who rose from Alliance leader to national Populist prominence

What perceived threat did Populism represent to conservative white Georgians?

Populism threatened Democratic hegemony, elite control, and the racial status quo, prompting elite resistance and efforts to contain the movement