 Beginning in 1875, the Red Shirts, a paramilitary group, openly worked for the Democrats to suppress black voting.As in other Southern states, after white Democrats regained power, they worked to re-establish white supremacy politically and socially.Paramilitary groups such as the Red Shirts beginning in 1875 worked openly to disrupt black political meetings, intimidate leaders and directly challenge voters in campaigns and elections, especially in the Piedmont area.