Answer:
The primary elections were the most critical in the period after Reconstruction because they were often the only means by which African Americans, who were largely disenfranchised in the South, could participate in the political process. During this time, many Southern states implemented discriminatory practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and other forms of voter suppression that made it difficult or impossible for African Americans to vote in the general election. However, the primary elections were controlled by the political parties, not the government, and were therefore not subject to these same restrictions.
As a result, African American voters and white progressive voters often focused their efforts on the primary elections, where they could support candidates who were more sympathetic to their cause. By doing so, they could potentially influence the outcome of the general election and have a voice in the political process.
Additionally, the primary elections were important because they often determined the outcome of the general election. In the South, the Democratic Party was dominant, and whoever won the Democratic primary was usually the de facto winner of the general election. Therefore, winning the primary was crucial for candidates seeking elected office.
In summary, the primary elections were critical in the period after Reconstruction because they provided a means for disenfranchised African American voters to participate in the political process and because winning the primary was often the key to winning the general election in the Democratic-dominated South.