Challenges and Progress: Political Affairs

The Democrats gained control of the state government and reversed many Reconstruction Laws

Texas Voters ratified a new state constitution that reduced government powers, included homestead provisions, and encouraged railroad development in the state.

The rights that African Americans had gained after the war were limited by the establishment of Jim Crow Laws.

The Texas Rangers were reinstated to deal with the outbreak of lawlessness in the state.

Vigilante committees often rounded up suspected criminals and delivered harsh and illegal punishments

A new state capital was built after the old building was destroyed in a fire

Women's associations worked to influence social and political policy

Some women's groups began working for woman suffrage or women's rights to vote

Women entered the workforce in new jobs and some found success in fields that were traditionally open only to men.