Truman + Federal response to Civil Rights Flashcards
What was Truman’s background on civil rights before becoming president in 1945? (3 examples)
1930s - supported laws against lynching and poll tax as a senator
1940 - delivered a speech in Missouri declaring his belief in ‘brotherhood’ between black and white men before the law
1944 - FDR elects him as running mate due to his pro civil rights stance
In terms of international pressure, why would Truman had pushed for Civil Rights as President?
The de-colonisation of Africa meant more African countries in the UN - US was gaining bad reputation with it’s segregation laws
Truman recognised the international implications of keeping such laws in terms of political alliances
How did Truman describe discrimination as in 1946?
Discrimination was a ‘disease’ and opportunities in voting, employment, education, housing and medical were the ‘cure’
When was ‘The President’s Committee on Civil Rights’ set up? And why?
It was set up in 1946
Truman was horrified at the treatment of black soldiers in Mississippi - wanted the ‘Bill of Rights’ to be a reality for them
What was the name of the report that the President’s Committee on Civil Rights released? When was this?
‘To Secure These Rights’ (1947)
What did the ‘Secure these Rights’ report attack?
Attacked all aspects of discrimination in both the North + South
Called education, housing, public facilities + voting as prime areas of discrimination
What did Truman’s ‘radical’ speech to Congress in 1948 ask for? (3 examples)
And why was it not successful?
Truman asks for Congress to:
- Support federal protection against lynching
- A push for equal voting
- A permanent FEPC
Never successfully implemented due to Dixiecrat opposition
What did Truman implement in July, 1948? Which activist had pushed him to do this?
Executive Order 9981 (Desegregation of the army)
A. Philip Randolph
What did Truman set up in 1951? And what was it’s purpose?
The ‘Committee on Government Contract Compliance’ (CGCC)
Pressured companies with federal contracts to end internalized discrimination
Why was Truman’s push for Civil Rights so opposed by Congress?
Congress consisted of Conservative Southern Democrats who opposed racial equality
Who were notable extreme racists within Truman’s own Democratic Party?
James O Eastland
Strom Thurmond
Fielding L Wright
Herman Tulmadge
What did Deep-South politicians do to excuse their anti-segregation policies? And why?
They claimed federal interference limited the state’s rights
They were fearful of losing white voters
By the end of Truman’s Presidency, what were the statistics for the states in terms of civil rights?
Only 5 states retained the poll tax
11 states and 20 cities had fair employment laws
19 states had legislations against some form of racial discrimination
