Usa Flashcards
What happened in Plessy v. Ferguson
Homer Plessy stated that segregation was illegal under the 14th amendment as African Americans didn’t have equal facilities
When was Plessy v. Ferguson
1896
Why was Plessy v. Ferguson significant?
Because it produce the phrase ‘separate but equal’ which many following court cases were based upon. And segregation was deemed acceptable if under this statement.
When was slavery abolished?
1865 in the 13th amendment
When was voting granted for all races?
1870 15th amendment
What were ‘Jim Crow’ laws?
1890-1910 introduction of legal segregation. Denied African Americans use of all white facilities.
When did the USA enter World War Two?
1941
How did World War Two influence the mindset of African Americans?
They experienced European society while at war and no segregation was present.
What were the four basic freedoms Americans were fighting for?
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom from want
Freedom from fear
Why were African American soldiers so shocked by what they were fighting for?
They were fighting for four freedoms abroad but couldn’t enjoy them at home
What was the ‘double v’?
The African American soldiers were fighting for a victory overseas and at home
How did black heroes help change public opinion?
White soldiers and officers were shocked at how noble and brave black soldiers were. They were just like them
What did Roosevelt issue in 1941?
The Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC)
Forced employers not to discriminate based on ‘race, creed, colour or national origin’
How did economic growth affect the distribution of African Americans across the country?
Industry boomed because of a demand for war goods. Waves of migration north occurred looking for jobs. A third of AA lived in the north.
Who was the first American president to challenge segregation?
Harry S. Truman
When did Truman become president, and why?
He became president in 1945 following Roosevelt’s deaths
When was the Presidents Committee on Civil Rights set up?
1946
What was the report that Truman issued into the issues facing African Americans?
‘To Secure These Rights’ 19467
It highlighted problems and suggested radical changes.
What did ‘to secure these rights’ show?
- Lynchings
- Police brutality
- 1944 election only 18% of blacks
- Discrimination in armed forces
- Employment and education
- Discrimination in health
How did the report suggest changes to lynchings should be made?
New laws were introduced which would force police to intervene to protect black citizens from mob violence.
What else did the report recommend?
New legislation to outlaw police brutality
A fair employment practices act to end discrimination
State governments should be forced to end segregation in education and healthcare