What was more important for creating the current "base" for the Republican party, Nixon's "Southern Strategy" or Reagans courting of evangelicals?

It seems the core of the GOP these days are a combination of bigots and evangelical Christians. It seems like Catholics are starting to make up another bloc of GOP voters. Yes, there is some overlap, but it seems like stoking the racist fires was a sure fire strategy to win votes.

I'm old enough to remember when the south was not solid red. That transformation was key to get the GOP where it is today.