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The Southern Crucible

Delving into the multifaceted history, diverse geography, and evolving cultural landscape of America's distinctive Southern region.

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Overview

Defining the Region

The Southern United States, often referred to as the American South or simply "the South," constitutes one of the four primary census regions delineated by the United States Census Bureau. Geographically positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Western United States, it is bordered by the Midwestern and Northeastern United States to its north, and the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to its south.

Historically, the South was broadly defined by the 18th-century Mason–Dixon line, the Ohio River, and the 36°30′ parallel. However, contemporary definitions acknowledge significant cultural and sub-regional variations, leading to more nuanced interpretations that may not always align perfectly with state boundaries.

Key Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the Southern region recorded a total population of 126,266,107, making it the nation's most populous region. This represents a substantial portion of the overall U.S. populace. The region's largest city is Houston, Texas, a testament to its significant urban growth and economic dynamism.

The populace is often referred to as "Southerners," with historical terms like "Southron" also noted. The region is characterized by a rich linguistic tapestry, including various English variants such as African-American English, Appalachian English, and Southern American English, alongside Creole languages like Kouri-Vini and Gullah, and several Indigenous languages.

Subregional Distinctions

The Southern United States is not a monolithic entity but rather a collection of diverse subregions, each with its own unique characteristics. The U.S. Census Bureau formally divides the South into three smaller divisions:

  • South Atlantic states: Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • East South Central states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
  • West South Central states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Beyond these formal divisions, cultural and historical terms like the "Deep South," "Upland South," "Old South," and "New South" are frequently used to describe distinct areas within the broader region, reflecting varied historical trajectories and cultural expressions.

Geography

Climatic Diversity

Despite a common perception of the South as uniformly hot and humid, the region encompasses a diverse range of climatic zones. These include temperate, sub-tropical, tropical, and arid conditions. The majority of the South, excluding higher elevations and certain western, southern, and northern fringes, falls within the humid subtropical climate zone. This climate consistently provides growing seasons of at least six months, facilitating robust agricultural activity.

The varied climate supports a rich array of natural environments, from the distinctive bayous and swamplands to the expansive southern pine forests. The warm temperate montane forests of the Appalachian Mountains contrast with the savannas of the southern Great Plains and the subtropical jungle and maritime forests found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Flora and Fauna

The ecological diversity of the South is reflected in its unique flora and fauna. Notable plant species include various magnolias, rhododendrons, canes, palms, and oaks, contributing to the region's distinctive landscapes.

The fauna is equally rich, featuring a plethora of amphibian species. Reptiles such as the green anole, the venomous cottonmouth snake, and the iconic American alligator are common. Mammals like the American black bear, the swamp rabbit, and the nine-banded armadillo inhabit different ecological niches. Avian life is also vibrant, exemplified by the roseate spoonbill, and historically, the now extinct but symbolic Carolina parakeet.

Regional Delineations

The precise boundaries and subregions of the South have been subjects of ongoing academic inquiry and debate. While the U.S. Census Bureau provides a formal definition encompassing sixteen states and the District of Columbia, other cultural and governmental organizations offer slightly different delineations. For instance, a 2010 survey by social geographers identified thirteen states as the "cultural" South, excluding Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, but including Oklahoma.

Additionally, U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, located southeast of Florida, are sometimes included in broader definitions of the Southern United States by federal agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. National Park Service, highlighting the fluidity of regional classification.

History

Ancient Inhabitants & Early Encounters

The Southern United States boasts a deep history of human habitation, with the earliest documented Paleo-Indians appearing around 9500 BC. These hunter-gatherers were followed by successive cultural stages, including the Archaic (c. 8000–1000 BC) and Woodland (c. 1000 BC – AD 1000) periods. By the late 15th century, Europeans encountered the Mississippian culture, a complex, mound-building Native American civilization that flourished from approximately 800 AD to 1500 AD.

Mississippian societies maintained elaborate trading routes across river valleys and from the East Coast to the Great Lakes. Notable European explorers like Pánfilo de Narváez (1528) and Hernando de Soto (1540) documented their encounters with these cultures. Descendants of these mound-builders, including the Alabama, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Houma, and Seminole peoples, continue to reside in the South today.

European Settlement & Slavery's Genesis

European colonization brought profound changes, including a drastic decline in Native American populations due to disease, conflict, and forced relocation. English settlers, primarily indentured servants and landed gentry, established the predominant culture along the eastern coast, pushing inland to the Appalachian Mountains by the 18th century. Spanish and French settlements also emerged in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.

The Southern Colonies developed distinct regional differences, notably the Tidewater, Deep South, and Appalachia. The institution of slavery, initially legal across all Thirteen Colonies, became particularly entrenched in the South due to economic needs, especially for labor-intensive crops like tobacco. The Barbados Slave Code of 1661 significantly influenced the development of slave codes in the British American colonies, establishing a legal framework for chattel slavery.

Revolution & Antebellum Dynamics

During the American Revolutionary War, the Southern colonies played a pivotal role, contributing leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The Southern theater saw significant British efforts to regain control, ultimately culminating in their surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781. The Revolution also initiated a complex shift in the institution of slavery, with thousands of enslaved people seeking freedom and some slaveholders inspired to manumit their slaves.

The Antebellum years (pre-Civil War) were marked by the rise of "King Cotton" in the lower South, fueled by the cotton gin and westward expansion. This intensified the reliance on slave labor, leading to the forced migration of over a million enslaved Africans to the Deep South. Political tensions escalated over protective tariffs and the expansion of slavery into new states, setting the stage for sectional conflict. Immigration from Ireland and Germany also diversified Southern cities like New Orleans, which became a major port and slave market.

Civil War & Reconstruction

By 1856, the South's diminishing political power in Congress, coupled with the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, led to the secession of seven cotton states and the formation of the Confederate States of America. The American Civil War (1861–1865) primarily unfolded on Southern soil, resulting in widespread devastation of infrastructure and immense human cost. The Confederacy, unable to sustain a prolonged conflict or overcome the Union blockade, ultimately surrendered in April 1865.

The Reconstruction Era (1865–1877) followed, aiming to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society. Federal protection led to the establishment of new state governments and the creation of public education systems. However, white Southerners, including vigilante groups like the Ku Klux Klan and paramilitary organizations, actively resisted these changes, using violence and intimidation to suppress African American political rights and re-establish white supremacy.

Jim Crow & Economic Hardship (1880s-1930s)

Following the end of Reconstruction, white Democrats regained control of state legislatures and systematically disenfranchised African Americans and poor whites through poll taxes, literacy tests, and other restrictive measures. Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in public facilities, creating a deeply unequal society. The Southern economy, still largely agrarian, faced challenges from anti-industrial policies, limited credit, and the devastating impact of the boll weevil on cotton crops.

The Great Migration saw over 6.5 million African Americans leave the South between 1910 and 1970, seeking better opportunities and escaping systemic violence and discrimination in Northern and Western cities. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl further exacerbated economic hardship, prompting additional migrations. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, aimed to stimulate development and provide rural electrification, laying groundwork for future growth.

Post-War Transformation (1940s-Late 20th Century)

World War II marked a significant turning point for the Southern economy. Federal investment in new industries and military bases provided crucial capital and infrastructure, attracting people from across the U.S. Millions of farmers transitioned to urban occupations. Per capita income in the South surged, narrowing the gap with national averages and signaling a shift towards industrial and commercial growth.

Post-1970, the region experienced sustained industrial expansion in sectors like autos, telecommunications, textiles, technology, banking, and aviation. Major urban centers in Texas, Georgia, and Florida saw explosive population growth, leading to increased economic strength but also challenges like urban sprawl and air pollution. The proportion of the African American population living in the South also stabilized and began to slightly increase, marking a "New Great Migration."

The 21st Century South

In the 21st century, the Republican Party has largely dominated the political landscape of the South at both state and federal levels, with few exceptions. Economically, the region has continued its robust growth. In 2019, Southern states hosted a significant number of Fortune 500 company headquarters, with Texas leading the nation in 2022. This expansion has contributed to some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. in certain areas.

However, economic disparities persist, with several Southern states still exhibiting high poverty rates and lower GDP per capita compared to national averages. This highlights the ongoing complexities of development and equity within the region, even amidst significant economic progress and diversification.

Economy

Modern Economic Landscape

The late 20th century ushered in a dramatic economic transformation for the South, moving beyond its historical agrarian roots. The region experienced a significant boom across its service economy, manufacturing base, high-technology industries, and financial sector. Texas, in particular, witnessed substantial growth driven by the energy industry and a burgeoning tourism sector, exemplified by attractions like the Alamo Mission in San Antonio. Similarly, tourism in Florida and along the Gulf Coast has seen steady expansion.

This diversification has led to the establishment of numerous new automobile production plants by international manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz (Tuscaloosa, Alabama), Hyundai (Montgomery, Alabama), BMW (Spartanburg, South Carolina), Toyota (Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas), GM (Spring Hill, Tennessee), Honda (Lincoln, Alabama), Nissan (Franklin and Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi), Kia (West Point, Georgia), and Volkswagen (Chattanooga, Tennessee).

Innovation & Healthcare Hubs

The South has emerged as a significant hub for research and innovation. It is home to two of the country's largest research parks: Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, recognized as the world's largest, and Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, which ranks as the world's fourth largest. These parks foster collaboration between academia, government, and industry, driving technological advancements.

In the medical field, the Texas Medical Center in Houston has garnered international acclaim for its contributions to education, research, and patient care, particularly in heart disease, cancer, and rehabilitation. By 1994, it was the world's largest medical center. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center consistently ranks as a premier institution for cancer research and treatment in the United States.

Financial & Corporate Centers

The region also hosts the headquarters of several major banking corporations. Charlotte, North Carolina, is home to Bank of America and Truist Financial, and was previously the base for Wachovia. Regions Financial Corporation and AmSouth Bancorporation are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Atlanta, Georgia, serves as the district headquarters for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Beyond finance, Atlanta and its surrounding areas are corporate centers for global brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and The Home Depot. The city is also a significant media hub, housing numerous cable television networks under the Turner Broadcasting System (including CNN, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network) and The Weather Channel, underscoring the South's broad economic transformation.

Education

Public School Performance

Historically, public schools in the Southern United States have sometimes been perceived as lagging in national surveys. However, more recent data indicates a nuanced picture. A 2007 U.S. Government analysis of test scores revealed that white fourth and eighth graders in the South often performed at or above national averages in reading and mathematics. Similarly, black fourth and eighth graders in the region also demonstrated performance levels that were better than average in some comparisons.

It is important to note that these comparisons do not hold universally, with some states, such as Mississippi, frequently scoring below national averages regardless of statistical methodology. By 2009, secondary school education in the South showed improvement, with high school graduation rates aligning closely with the national average of 73%, indicating a general upward trend in educational attainment.

Prominent Public Institutions

The Southern United States is home to a distinguished array of public colleges and universities, many of which are recognized nationally for their academic excellence and research contributions. These institutions play a vital role in regional development and higher education access. Notable examples include:

  • University of Virginia
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Houston
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Florida State University
  • Georgia Tech
  • University of Florida
  • University of Georgia
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Tennessee
  • College of William & Mary
  • North Carolina State University
  • University of Maryland, College Park
  • Louisiana State University
  • University of Alabama
  • University of Arkansas
  • University of Oklahoma
  • University of Kentucky
  • Virginia Tech

Leading Private Universities

In addition to its robust public system, the South also hosts a number of highly regarded private colleges and universities. These institutions contribute significantly to the intellectual and cultural landscape of the region, often with specialized programs and unique academic environments. Among the most prominent private institutions are:

  • Duke University
  • Rice University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Emory University
  • University of Miami
  • Tulane University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Baylor University
  • Spelman College
  • Morehouse College
  • Howard University

Culture

Linguistic & Ancestral Roots

The American South is widely recognized for its distinctive linguistic features, particularly its unique dialect and accent, collectively known as Southern American English. The predominant cultural influences trace back to English settlers from regions such as the West Midlands, southwest England, and southeast England, who established themselves in the Tidewater and eastern Deep South during the 17th and early 18th centuries. For instance, Birmingham, Alabama, draws its name from Birmingham, England.

Further shaping the cultural fabric were Northern English, Scots lowlanders, and Ulster-Scots (later known as Scotch-Irish) who settled in Appalachia and the Upland South in the mid to late 18th century. Crucially, the millions of African people brought to the American South as slaves and their descendants have profoundly enriched the region's cultural blend, contributing significantly to its religion, food, art, and diverse musical styles.

Musical Heritage

The South's musical heritage is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads, particularly those of African American communities. This rich tradition has given rise to, or significantly influenced, numerous globally recognized genres. These include:

  • Spirituals: Deeply rooted in the experiences of enslaved Africans.
  • Blues: A foundational genre expressing hardship and resilience.
  • Jazz: Originating in New Orleans, a complex and improvisational art form.
  • Rhythm and Blues (R&B) & Soul Music: Evolving from gospel and blues, these genres became central to American popular music.
  • Country Music & Bluegrass: While often associated with white Southern traditions, these genres also show significant cross-cultural influences.
  • Zydeco: A distinct musical form from Louisiana, blending French, African, and Native American elements.
  • Rock and Roll: With its roots in blues, gospel, and country, rock and roll emerged from the South to revolutionize global music.

Socioeconomic & Identity Markers

Sociologically, the South has historically been characterized by lower housing values, household incomes, and a lower cost of living compared to other parts of the United States. These economic factors, combined with strong family ties, have led some scholars to consider white Southerners as an ethnic or quasi-ethnic group, though this interpretation faces criticism regarding its definitional criteria.

In past censuses, the largest self-reported ancestry groups among Southerners included English (nearly a third of all Americans claiming English ancestry reside in the South), followed by Irish and African American. Early observers like John Fothergill and J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur noted distinct cultural traits in the Southern colonies, often contrasting them with Northern colonies and drawing parallels to Caribbean societies, highlighting perceived "idleness and extravagance" or an "aristocratic" character linked to slavery.

Religious Landscape

The South has been predominantly shaped by evangelical Protestantism since the early 1800s, a legacy of the First and Second Great Awakenings. These religious revivals led to a significant increase in Methodist and Baptist converts, which remain the two largest Christian denominations in the region. By 1900, the Southern Baptist Convention had become the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., with its membership concentrated in rural Southern areas.

Roman Catholics have historically been concentrated in Maryland, Louisiana, and Hispanic-majority areas like South Texas and South Florida. A large majority of Black Southerners adhere to Baptist or Methodist faiths. The South is widely known as the "Bible Belt," reflecting its high rates of Protestant church attendance, particularly among evangelical churches, and the strong presence of Pentecostalism since the late 19th century.

Evolving Identity

The cultural identity of the South is continuously evolving, influenced by significant demographic shifts. The influx of millions of Northerners and Westerners since the late 20th century has reshaped the cultural fabric of major metropolitan and coastal areas. Concurrently, the rapid growth of the Hispanic population, particularly in South Florida and South Texas, has introduced new cultural values not traditionally rooted in local Southern traditions.

Scholars debate whether this influx signifies a decline in Southern distinctiveness or a process of "Southernization," where aspects of Southern culture spread to other parts of the United States. Factors such as NAFTA, economic crises in Mexico, and changing immigration policies have facilitated these population movements, leading to a more diverse and complex cultural landscape across the region.

Demographics

Racial Composition (2022)

The Southern United States is characterized by a diverse racial and ethnic composition, with significant historical and contemporary demographic trends. The region maintains the largest African American population by region in the United States. While other U.S. regions have seen larger influxes of Hispanic and Asian immigrants, the South has largely retained its historical black and white demographic balance, though this is changing rapidly in specific areas.

The Upland South subregion, for instance, remains predominantly white with a comparatively smaller African American population. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the racial composition of the Southern United States as of 2022, highlighting the significant proportions of White (Non-Hispanic) and Black (Non-Hispanic) populations, alongside growing Hispanic or Latino communities.

Race (2022) Population Share of population
Total 128,716,190 100.0%
White (Non-Hispanic) 69,482,320 54.0%
Black (Non-Hispanic) 25,449,438 20.2%
Asian (Non-Hispanic) 4,745,783 3.7%
Native American (Non-Hispanic) 552,317 0.4%
Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) 99,668 0.1%
Multiracial (Non-Hispanic) 5,247,967 4.1%
Some other race (Non-Hispanic) 643,598 0.5%
Hispanic or Latino (Of any race) 24,495,100 19.0%

Hispanic Population Growth

While historically a region with a predominantly black and white population, the Southern United States has experienced rapid growth in its Hispanic population, particularly since the 1990s and early 2000s. This demographic shift is most pronounced in areas such as South Florida and South Texas, where Hispanic communities have long been established and continue to expand.

This growth is attributed to various factors, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which facilitated cross-border movements, ongoing economic challenges in Mexico, more liberal U.S. immigration policies, and active labor recruitment. The influx of Hispanic populations introduces new cultural dynamics and influences, contributing to the evolving identity of the South. Projections suggest that the political and cultural influence of the Mexican American community, or La Raza, will continue to grow, particularly in states like Texas.

Sports

American Football Dominance

American football holds an unparalleled position as the most popular team sport across the majority of the Southern United States. This deep-seated passion for football permeates all levels of play, from professional leagues to collegiate and even high school competitions, making it a central element of regional identity and community life.

The sport's prominence is particularly evident in the collegiate ranks, where the South is home to numerous highly decorated and historically significant college football programs. Conferences such as the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and Big 12 Conference feature teams with fervent fan bases and a legacy of national championships. The SEC, composed almost entirely of Southern-based teams, is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most competitive leagues in contemporary college football, with programs like the Alabama Crimson Tide boasting multiple national titles.

Community & Professional Impact

Beyond the collegiate stage, high school football commands a significant spectator following, especially in rural areas. These games often transcend mere athletic contests, serving as vital community gatherings that unite towns and foster local pride. The cultural importance of high school football underscores the sport's pervasive influence on Southern social structures.

At the professional level, the region supports several prominent NFL teams. The Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) hold the distinction of being the first established professional football team based in the South. The Dallas Cowboys are another iconic franchise, recognized as one of the region's most popular NFL teams, drawing widespread support and contributing to the South's strong association with American football.

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References

References

  1.  Howard W. Odum, Southern regions of the United States (1936), University of North Carolina Press
  2.  Rebecca Mark, and Rob Vaughan, The South: The Greenwood Encyclopedia of American Regional Cultures (2004).
  3.  "United States: The Upper South". Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
  4.  Neal R. Peirce, The Deep South States of America;: People, politics and power in the seven Deep South States (1974)
  5.  Ira Berlin, Generations of Captivity: A History of African-American Slaves (2003) pp. 272–276.
  6.  Bertram Wyatt-Brown, Southern Honor: Ethics and Behavior in the Old South, New York: Oxford U Press, 1982. pp. 16.
  7.  Sweet Negotiations: Sugar, Slavery, and Plantation Agriculture in Early Barbados, Chapter 6 The Expansion of Barbados, p. 112
  8.  Atlantic Virginia: Intercolonial Relations in the Seventeenth Century
  9.  Wilson, David K (2005). The Southern Strategy: Britain's conquest of South Carolina and Georgia, 1775–1780. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press. p. 9
  10.  Walter Johnson, Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave Market, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1999, pp. 5, 215.
  11.  Walter Johnson, Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave Market, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1999, pp. 2–7
  12.  McPherson, James M., Battle Cry of Freedom. the Civil War Era, Oxford Univ. Press, 1998, p. 304
  13.  Eric Lacy, Vanquished Volunteers: East Tennessee Sectionalism from Statehood to Secession (Johnson City, Tenn.: East Tennessee State University Press, 1965), pp. 122–126, 217–233.
  14.  Nicholas Lemann, Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War, New York: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2002, pp. 70–75
  15.  John Solomon Otto, The Final Frontiers, 1880–1930: Settling the Southern Bottomlands, Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1999
  16.  John C. Willis, Forgotten Time: The Yazoo-Mississippi Delta after the Civil War, Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2000.
  17.  Edward L. Ayers, The Promise of the New South: Life after Reconstruction, New York: Oxford University Press, 1992; 15th Anniversary Edition (pbk), 2007, p. 24
  18.  Glenn Feldman, The Disenfranchisement Myth: Poor Whites and Suffrage Restriction in Alabama, Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2004
  19.  John S. Spratt, The Road to Spindletop: Economic Change in Texas, 1875–1901 (U of Texas Press, 1955).
  20.  Morton Sosna, and James C. Cobb, Remaking Dixie: The Impact of World War II on the American South (UP of Mississippi, 1997).
  21.  For comprehensive coverage see Dwight C. Hoover and B.U. Ratchford, Economic Resources and Policies of the South (1951).
  22.  Russell B. Olwell, At Work in the Atomic City: A Labor and Social History of Oak Ridge, Tennessee (2004).
  23.  David Hackett Fischer, Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America, New York: Oxford University Press, 1989, pp. 633–639
  24.  "The Plantation & Chivalry", USHistory.org. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  25.  Edward L. Queen, In the South the Baptists Are the Center of Gravity: Southern Baptists and Social Change, 1930–1980 (1991)
  26.  Samuel S. Hill, Charles H. Lippy, and Charles Reagan Wilson, eds. Encyclopedia of Religion in the South (2005)
  27.  Marc Egnal, Divergent paths: how culture and institutions have shaped North American growth (1996) p 170
  28.  Charles S. Bullock, and M. V. Hood, "A Mile‐Wide Gap: The Evolution of Hispanic Political Emergence in the Deep South." Social Science Quarterly 87.5 (2006): 1117–1135.
  29.  Mary E. Odem and Elaine Lacy, eds. Latino Immigrants and the Transformation of the U.S. South (U of Georgia Press, 2009).
  30.  Edward L. Ayers, What Caused the Civil War? Reflections on the South and Southern History (2005) p. 46, 019535687X
  31.  Bernard Cosman, Five States for Goldwater Continuity and Change in Southern Presidential Voting Patterns (1966)
  32.  Numan V. Bartley, The New South, 1945–1980: the story of the South's modernization (1995) pp 61, 67–73, 92, 101; quoting p. 71.
  33.  Don Haskins and Dan Wetzel, My Story of the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship and How One Team Triumphed Against the Odds and Changed America Forever (2006).
  34.  Richard Pennington, Breaking the Ice: The Racial Integration of Southwest Conference Football (McFarland, 1987).
  35.  Dan T. Carter, The politics of rage: George Wallace, the origins of the new conservatism, and the transformation of American politics (LSU Press, 2000).
  36.  Garth E. Pauley, "Presidential rhetoric and interest group politics: Lyndon B. Johnson and the Civil Rights Act of 1964." Southern Journal of Communication 63.1 (1997): 1–19.
  37.  David Garrow, Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1989).
  38.  Jeanne Theoharis, A More Beautiful and Terrible History: The Uses and Misuses of Civil Rights History (2018).
  39.  For primary sources see John A. Kirk, ed., The Civil Rights Movement: A Documentary Reader (2020).
A full list of references for this article are available at the Southern United States Wikipedia page

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