Jim Crow, KKK

Question 1

What were the Jim Crow Laws? (When were they, what were they)

Answer 1

1. Passed in S states of USA, late 1800s after the N army left ( this was after they lost the civil war) and was an attempt to reinstate white superiority and control by denying black people equal rights
   The vote was stripped of black people to ensure white politicians could pass these laws

Question 2

What did Jim Crow laws mean for black people? (Give examples)

Answer 2

Segregation in schools, libraries, leisure facilities, transport (all aspects of life)
Black people not allowed to use ‘white only’ public facilities such as schools and even parks
White facilities considerably better -> southern state’s gov invested as much as they could on their own education entertainment etc.

Question 3

Why did the government allow Jim Crow Laws to survive?

Answer 3

Until 1964 when they were abolished -> presidents needed support + votes from S so it wasn’t worth it to challenge the Jim Crow Laws, might cause southern uprising

Question 4

What were the effects of the Jim Crow Laws?

Answer 4

Restrictions imposed by the laws made it hard for formerly enslaved people to gain good jobs and gain economic independence
Segregated facilities on public transport -> difficult for black citizens to travel
Inferior housing, education + opportunities
To escape many black people migrated north and west for a better life

Question 5

What was the KKK? (Brief when, where, what etc)

Answer 5

Began in s states at the end of civil war in 1865
Terrorist and racist organisation, reached its height in 1923 with 5 million members (includ. Police officers, judges + politicians)
Aimed to keep blacks, Jews and Catholics ‘in their place’
Dressed in white robes + hoods + very patriotic swearing an oath to fight anything foreign to the USA, carried burning crosses

Question 6

What was the KKK trying to achieve?

Answer 6

Reestablish white supremacy (terror and violence including whipping, branding + lynching to frighten black communities into submission)

Question 7

Why did so many people join?

Answer 7

1. Many people thought that black people and white people did not deserve the same rights
2. Afraid of what black people would do if they had any political power-> joining the klan was an active way to keep whites in control
3. Unemployment was rising and the KKK blamed this on immigrants coming to the USA (more N)

Question 8

How was the KKK powerful?

Answer 8

1. Police officers- many were part of KKK - ignored serious crimes
   - didn’t protect victims
   - took part in killings
2. Courts- judges and jury were often friends of the Klan, so they would get away with crimes
3. Politicians- difficult to change attitudes
   - scared of losing votes