Exclusion of black voters

Question 1

Introduction of registration to vote restrictions in 1890s

Answer 1

• Led to major reduction in number of black Americans entitled to vote
• Poll taxes - disproportionately affected them - invariably much poorer than white Americans in southern states
• Literacy tests - helped exclude them - as much as 60% of AA population in southern states being illiterate

Question 2

All-white primary elections

Answer 2

• States where Democratic Party was dominant - such as southern states - all-white primary elections ensured that, even when black Americans had an opportunity to vote in state and federal elections, they were effectively excluded from the democratic process

Question 3

Attempt in Louisiana to restrict black voting

Answer 3

• Through introduction of the Grandfather Cayuse in 1898
• Overturned by SCOTUS in 1915 as unconstitutional
• However - had limited impact on encouraging higher black participation in over registration
• Legal restrictions on black voting - reinforced by the threat of violence and intimidation

Question 4

KKK

Answer 4

• Saw rapid rise in support across USA in 1920s

- Lynching of AAs continued to be a major social problem