African Americans Flashcards
- position in 1865, Reconstruction, white reaction and discrimination - the role of African Americans in gaining civil rights (e.g. Booker T Washington, Dubois, Martin Luther King, the Black Panthers) - the roles of Federal (Presidents, Congress and Supreme Court) and State governments in the struggle - the role of anti and pro-civil rights groups - the Civil Rights Movement to 1992
How did the position of African Americans change from 1865-1992?
Possible turning points:
- 1930s New Deal
- 1960s Civil Rights movement
Many sig. gains made over the period i.e the right to vote, integration of schools etc.
However socially still regressive as shown through the 1992 Rodney King assault by police officers - discriminatory attitudes still present
What was the position of AAs post Civil War?
- The war left unresolved the position of African Americans- former slaves should leave or ensure African Americans had the same rights as white people.
- ‘Sharecropping’- white landowners allowed former slaves to work on their land in return for a share of what’s produced.
- Violence and limitations after the war- Post-war period was characterised by uncertainty, Govt didnt know what to do with the freed slaves and Southern rebels.
- White pop reluctant.
- African Americans were uncertain about their role in post-war America and how to push for equality.
How important were the US govt in the devt of AA rights
Influence of SC on AA CR: Brown vs Board - 1954
overturning
Plessy vs Fergusson - 1896
Demonstrates a somewhat significant change as this was the SC overturning its own decision. Set a legal precedent that was later used to overturn other laws enforcing segregation, but did little to actually integrate schools.
How important was the role of individual AAs in devt of civil rights.
How did Ida B Wells affect/advance the AA’s CR?
- assisted in the successful SC overturning of…in 1892
How did Booker T. Washington advance AA CR?
Advanced:
- Emphasis on vocational training & econ. self-sufficiency for AAs through the Tuskegee institute = AAs gained skills that made better jobs & econ. stability accessible
Hindered:
- many viewed his approach as an acceptance of racism so radicals like DuBois thought compromise was betrayal
- created rifts between key AA CR leaders
How did W.E.B DuBois advance AA CRs?
Advanced:
- Niagra Movement = laid the foundations for NAACP
- Publicised the fight for CR through media, press and org. marches
Hindered:
- Radicalism isolated him from moderate civil rights leaders & campaigners so faced criticism as a result
How did Marcus Garvey advance AA CRs?
Advanced:
- estab. of the ‘Black Star’ line shipping company and the UNIA successfully mobilised & thus united many (claimed to be 4 mil) AAs.
- Provided a viable strategy of collective action & grassroots mobilisation for future black leaders (Malcolm X)
- emboldened AAs = gave them the notion that they were equal to whites so caused them to push for better rights
Hindered:
- Economic ventures = ult a great failure
- Development of Black Nationalism
How did Philip Randolph advance AA CRs?
Advanced:
- March on Washington 1963, and in 1941 pressurised Truman into the desegregation of the Armed services
- thoroughly understood non-violent protests which were key to the advancement of AA CRs
Hindered: