When did republicans and democrats switch sides? During the civil war of 1861-1865, the republican party was the one that fought for civil rights and the abolition of slavery.When did the parties switch, so that the republicans are now clearly the a$$holes and the democrats are the good guys?hen did republicans and democrats switch sides? During the civil war of 1861-1865, the republican party was the one that fought for civil rights and the abolition of slavery. When did the parties switch, so that the republicans are now clearly the a$$holes and the democrats are the good guys?