The events of the Civil Rights movement were a catalyst for blacks to leave the Republican Party in droves.

Despite these gains, many blacks continued to stay affiliated with the Republican Party.

By the late 1960s, about two-thirds of blacks were affiliated with the Democratic Party and today, the number is close to 90 percent.

Another major factor which contributed to the mass exodus from the Republican Party by blacks was the political agenda of U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater.

Goldwater’s views drew many white southern voters to his camp, and the one-third of blacks who were still supporters of the Republican Party quickly left the party.