Civil Rights

I. Segregation Divides America Until well into the 20th century much of the nation was segregated, or separated by race. After the Civil War, Southern states passed what became known as the Jim Crow laws. These laws established social segregation (separation of people on the basis of race). Jim Crow laws forbade African Americans from sharing facilities with whites, such as railroad cars and water fountains. Officials enforced the segregation of schools, hospitals, transportation, restaurants cemeteries and beaches.

Southern Segregation

Jim Crow Entrance

Jim Crow Water Fountain

II. Plessy v. Ferguson The Supreme Court did not interfere with efforts to restore white control in the South. In the landmark case of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), the Court ruled that segregation was legal as long as blacks had access to “separate but equal” facilities.

The Court’s ruling in the Plessy case set a precedent that justified segregation in all public facilities until the 1950s. Do you think that the public facilities for African Americans were “separate and equal”? Why or why not?

III. Roots of Civil Rights In many ways the roots of the civil rights movement can be found in WWII. After risking their lives defending freedom abroad, African Americans were unwilling to accept discrimination at home. Although African Americans fought for their rights during the 1940s major gains were limited until the 1950s. 1947--> Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson