How was Strom Thurmond's time as governor of South Carolina significant as the state's politics changed? Republicans in South Carolina's legislature convinced Thurmond to issue an executive order integrating public schools.

Thurmond took a strong stance against any changes to the state government's policy concerning race relations.

With the Democrats failing to support segregation in South Carolina, Thurmond reorganized the state's Dixiecrat Party.

Thurmond promoted more funding for black schools and condemned violence against African Americans in the state.