The events leading to the abandonment of civil and voting rights by southern Democrats had profound and tragic implications. These rights were seen as a significant threat to their power, prompting the parties to reach a consensus that sidelined these issues. This agreement facilitated a level of tolerance between the parties, despite their underlying tensions.

The disenfranchisement of African Americans was a critical strategy to uphold white supremacy and ensure the continued dominance of the Democratic Party in the South. This not only secured the party's local authority but also played a crucial role in maintaining its relevance on a national scale, illustrating the intersection of race and political power in American democracy.