A divided nation: The position of black americans in 1945

Question 1

Situation of Segregation of Black Soldiers in US army

Answer 1

Trained in different camps, different canteens, trained less, given worse equipment, sent on more dangerous missions. Etc.

Question 2

Four Basic freedoms (what Roosevelt said America was fighting for)

Answer 2

Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Want and Freedom of Fear

Question 3

Reasons why second world war affected lives of African Americans (4)

Answer 3

• They had enjoyed desegregated Europe and been treated like heroes.
• Seen the dangers of racism during the war (Nazis)
• White soldiers had fought with them and seen that they fought just the same.
• War caused an Economic Boom. Northern industry grew rapidly and that’s where blacks went to get jobs. This meant they played a major role in country’s war effort.

Question 4

Before War in South black voting percentage

Answer 4

Less than 2% of Southern Black population could vote.

Question 5

After War In South, black voting percentage by 1945 (figure)

Answer 5

Approx. 15% of Black population in southern states could vote.

Question 6

After War in South, How did whites respond to black’s efforts for equality and civil rights?

Answer 6

With hostility. There was an increase in lynchings the year following the war.

Question 7

In the north, what percentage of Black Americans could vote by 1945?

Answer 7

In sixteen northern states, between 5-13% of their voters were black. This meant they held the balance of power.

Question 8

How many African Americans moved up to northern states during WW2?

Answer 8

500,000

Question 9

Number of unemployed Black Americans in 1945 as a result of war boom

Answer 9

In 1940 there were 937,000 unemployed AAs. In 1945 there were 151,000

Question 10

In South, what was the main occupation of AAs?

Answer 10

Poorly paid agricultural jobs

Question 11

In North what was the main occupation of AAs?

Answer 11

Yes, AAs were mainly in industry, but they were unlikely to be paid the same amount as their white counterparts.

Question 12

In South, what was situation as end of war? (3)

Answer 12

• Still lots of segregation
• 40% of housing available to black people was found to be sub standard
• AAs still in poorly paid agricultural jobs

Question 13

In North, what was situation at the end of the war? (3)

Answer 13

-No segregation
-Not as strong racial etiquette
However:
-AAs likely to be poorer than whites, so often they would be forced to live in undesirable parts of the city