The Civil Rights Movement

Authors Avatar

HISTORY COURSEWORK

Question 1: The Civil Rights Movement

The war meant that all American citizens had a part to play in the war effort. The war meant that America’s government took charge of industry, causing end of the depression. For America the war was a time of prosperity.

        Just like when women got the vote thanks to their input in the first world war, it was now the black Americans chance to become recognised as American citizens due to the fact America needed the m to work and fight for their country.

        The USA had joined a war that was fighting against the racism of Nazi Germany, which made it difficult for them to justify discrimination against black and ethnic groups.

“...we will not be intimidated by the threats of dictators…we look forward to…freedom of speech and expression…freedom of worship…freedom form fear…everywhere in the world.”

        The war brought the opportunities for black Americans that led to the end of segregation although there was still segregation in the armed forces till 1948. More than 1.5 million G.Is were stationed round Britain where there was no racial segregation. Having fought with and been in a country where there was no segregation of blacks, white Americans opinions began to change.

        After the black Americans had fought and worked so hard for America, people began to question the ethics of them being treated unfairly again at the end of the war. Serving their country coupled with war against the Nazis raised the expectations of many black Americans “It will be different after the war” was a comment from black soldiers during the war. There began a “double V” campaign that stood for victor both at home and abroad. Membership of the main campaigning black organisation (NAACP) went from 50,000 to 450,000 during the war and pressure on the president made it illegal for contracted war companies to practice discrimination.

Join now!

        The Second World War brought the injustice of segregation to America’s attention and raised the expectations of blacks and whites throughout America, making them more keen and prepared to campaign against segregation. The fact that so many people felt this way there was more pressure for action to be taken

        During the post-war economic boom, many individuals remained an underclass, especially the black Americans. In 1950 the average black wage was $3,800 where as for whites it was nearly twice that at $7,057. This shows that although progress was made during the war it was by no means the end ...

This is a preview of the whole essay