1. American Government
Chapter 21
Section 1

2. Diversity and Discrimination
American population has been predominantly Caucasian
Since 1960, immigrant groups and ethnic minorities have consistently increased in population
Females have been more numerous than males for more than 50 years

3. Ethnic Minority Groups
African Americans
Native Americans
Hispanic Americans

4. African Americans Largest ethnic minority group
More than 12% of nation’s population
Over 30 million people
Enslaved legally for more than 200 years
Most of the civil rights that affect all Americans were initiated in large part by African American groups

5. Native Americans Almost one million in 1650’s – pre-invasion
Only 250,000 in 1900
Killed largely by disease
Murdered en masse by military
Killed in large numbers in warfare
Eventually conquered and forced to live on reservations
Non-citizens until 1924

6. Asian Americans Chinese labor imported to build railroad
Chinese Exclusion Act – 1882
Internment camps of WW II
Periodic waves of immigrants as a result of conflicts

7. Hispanic Americans
Mexicans – over half of the group, Chicanos are American born of Mexican parents
Puerto Ricans – American nationals on the island, citizens if born in America
Cubans – See Florida
Central and South Americans – Mostly political refugees

8. Women More than 50% of nation’s population
Less than 15% of elected offices
Less than 20% of doctors, lawyers, college professors
Glass ceiling
Civil Rights Act of 1964
80% of male salary for comparable job