This phrase refers to a post-Civil War political tactic used by Republicans to associate Democrats with secession and treason. It invoked the deaths and casualties of the war to stir up patriotic emotions and maintain Republican power. The term originated from an alleged incident where a Congressman displayed a bloodstained shirt purportedly belonging to a carpetbagger who had been flogged by the Ku Klux Klan. This symbolic act was meant to remind voters of the sacrifices made to preserve the Union and the perceived disloyalty of the Democratic party.
The political strategy served as a potent tool for Republicans. By linking the Democratic Party to the Confederacy, Republicans effectively deflected attention from economic issues and corruption scandals plaguing the Grant administration. The appeal to emotional patriotism allowed Republicans to solidify their base in the North and maintain control of the presidency and Congress for a significant period following Reconstruction. Its impact was particularly strong in presidential elections, reminding voters of the recent conflict and the Republican Party’s role in securing victory.
