Final answer:
The Democratic Party maintained control over Texas politics for more than 130 years following the Civil War, with the party's dominance beginning in 1873 and part of the 'Solid South' era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, the Democratic Party dominated Texas politics for an extended period following the Civil War. During Reconstruction, the political power of the Radical Republicans dwindled, and Democrats were able to regain control in Southern states. The Supreme Court decisions in the 1870s further reduced federal protections for freed people, aligning with the interests of the Democrats who sought to restore White supremacy. The Democratic Party's control in the late 19th century was cemented by the Ku Klux Klan and other paramilitary organizations that often acted as the military wing of the Party. This dark period saw violent enforcement of Democratic rule, such as the Colfax massacre following the 1872 Louisiana gubernatorial election.
In Texas, Democratic control was solidified by 1873, and the state remained a stronghold of the Party through the era known as 'the Solid South.' This political landscape persisted for decades, with the transformation of the Democratic Party's national platform during the Great Depression to include progressive economic programs. This shift began to change the Party's demographics, eventually leading to a larger political realignment in the latter half of the 20th century.