Challenging 'Jim Crow' Flashcards
How big were the NAACP and what were there tactics?
Between 1938 and 1942 the NAACP grew from 50,000 to 450,000.
The NAACP is best know for fighting court cases which challenged segregation. They were also a non-violent organisation.
Who were the NAACP?
The NAACP was founded in 1909 by a multi-headed group of civil rights campaigners, led by W.E.B. Dubois. It was created to fight for the rights of blacks and oppose discrimination.
Why did the NAACP go to court?
They believed that the American Legal System could be used to end segregation. There strategy was appealing the 14th amendment - which states everyone in the USA has the right to vote regardless of colour. they also has experienced lawyers such as Thurgood Marshall on their side.
What was Smith V. Allwright? (1944)
This case outlawed all white primaries in Texas - and gave blacks a right to vote in them.
What was Morgan V. Virginia? (1946)
It challenges segregation in bus services that run across States. In 1944, Irene Morgan was fined $100 for not giving her seat up to a white man. Her and Thurgood Marshall went to court and won - making interstate segregation illegal.
What was CORE?
CORE stood for congress of racial equality. It was founded by James Farmer in 1942
What was CORE’s ‘Journey of Reconciliation?’ (1947)
Morgan V. Virginia was a de Jure ruling and did not lead to de facto change. To test this, 16 CORE activists (8 black 8 white) planned to travel from North to South on buses to prove the ignorance of the ruling. It lasted for two weeks - 12 CORE members were arrested and others were beaten badly. It successfully proved the ruling was ignored.
How successful was direct Action between 45 and 55? (Good)
Black voters in the state of Arkansas had there voting population increase from 1.5% to 17.3% by 1947.
Lynching was also on a downfall as the NAACP had a special unit of lawyers investigating every scene and try to find the penetrators. AA’s now appeared much more confident and showed they could stand up against segregation.
How successful was direct action between 45’ and 55’? (Bad)
Journey of Reconciliation failed to force bus companies to desegregate. UDL also had a bus boycott that failed as it was only a week long.
