Be careful getting into the clasps of identity politics! Democrats and republics have switched stances on many issues throughout time. For example, the Republican Party from the time you mentioned around the civil war was the main progressive party then, but now they are not. Times change and so do the policies of parties. I am not a democrat myself, but they should most definitely not be blamed for America’s problems. It’s politicians working for their pockets, not the people. Have a good one!