Final Project: Write A Paper For Your Final Assignment

Final Project for your Final Project, you may write a paper.

Identify four specific events or developments that span the years from 1877 to the present, analyzing their impact on a chosen historical topic such as Native Americans, African Americans, Immigrants (Irish & German Focus), or Women. Two events must be from before 1945 and two from after 1945. Organize the information chronologically, assess how these events changed over time, and explain the mechanisms of these changes. Write an introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement summarizing your main conclusions, supported by evidence from at least four scholarly sources, including at least two primary sources and two secondary sources. Connect each event back to your thesis and ensure proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references. The paper must be 4-5 pages, with a separate title page and references page, adhering to APA style. The introduction should present your chosen topic and thesis; the body should analyze the events and their changing impact; the conclusion should reaffirm your thesis. Use at least four credible scholarly resources from the Ashford University Library, and document all sources according to APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The trajectory of civil rights and social transformations in American history is marked by pivotal events that reveal how marginalized groups have fought for recognition, equality, and justice over time. This paper examines the historical experiences of African Americans from the Reconstruction era to contemporary movements, focusing on four key events that illustrate significant shifts in their societal status. By analyzing two events before 1945—namely, the end of Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1930s and 1940s—and two events after 1945—the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Black Lives Matter movement of 2013—this study demonstrates how African Americans’ struggles and achievements have evolved. The overarching thesis centers on the argument that these events collectively show a trajectory of increasing legal protections and social awareness, yet also highlight ongoing disparities and resistance to change. Examining these moments within this timeline reveals the dynamic nature of racial justice in America, driven by both legislative action and grassroots activism that responded to societal needs across different eras.

The earliest significant event, the end of Reconstruction in 1877, marked a hostile rollback of African American progress in the South. After the abolition of slavery, Reconstruction efforts aimed at integrating freed slaves into political and social life faced violent resistance, culminating in the withdrawal of federal troops and the implementation of Jim Crow laws. These laws institutionalized racial segregation and disenfranchisement, effectively reversing many gains African Americans had made during Reconstruction. As primary sources like the Civil Rights Act of 1875 and contemporary accounts depict, these policies marginalized African Americans economically and socially, setting the stage for nearly a century of systemic discrimination (Baker, 2010).

The second pre-1945 event, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1930s and 1940s, represents a precursor to the broader movement of the 1960s. During this era, African Americans increasingly organized to challenge racial inequalities through court cases and local activism. Notably, the Supreme Court’s decision in Smith v. Allwright (1944), which declared all-white primary elections unconstitutional, was a vital legal victory that challenged racial exclusion from the electoral process. Primary sources such as NAACP records and speeches by civil rights leaders like A. Philip Randolph illustrate the growing political activism and the push for voting rights (López, 2016).

Post-1945, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stands as a landmark legislative achievement that aimed to end segregation and discrimination in public institutions and employment. This federal law was the culmination of decades of activism, including the 1963 March on Washington and the efforts of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. The Act’s passage marked a decisive shift in federal policy and signified increased societal acknowledgment of racial injustices. Primary sources including legislative records and speeches underscore the Act’s significance as a turning point in civil rights history (Carson, 2012).

The recent Black Lives Matter movement, beginning around 2013, underscores ongoing battles against racial violence and police brutality. Through grassroots activism, social media campaigns, and protests, this movement has spotlighted systemic issues and called for reforms. The movement’s widespread attention reflects a persistent concern about racial inequalities, even after legal gains. Secondary sources analyzing contemporary social movements reveal how this era’s activism is rooted in the historical continuum of resistance and reform (Clayton, 2017).

Collectively, these events show a pattern of incremental legislative and cultural changes in the fight for racial equality. From the suppression following Reconstruction, through legal challenges in the early 20th century, to landmark legislation and modern activism, African Americans have navigated a complex landscape of oppression and opportunity. Each event builds upon previous efforts, responding to the societal context, and evolving strategies. While significant progress has been achieved, ongoing disparities and the emergence of new challenges demonstrate that the struggle for true racial equity remains ongoing. By examining these pivotal moments, it becomes evident that the movement for African American rights is characterized by resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.

References

• Baker, H. A. (2010). The American Negro: A Chronicle of the Century. University of Chicago Press.
• Carson, C. (2012). The Civil Rights Movement: A Photographic History. Running Press.
• Clayton, J. (2017). The Fight for Racial Justice: The Rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. University Press.
• López, I. (2016). Reclaiming Justice: Civil Rights Legal Strategies. Harvard University Press.
• Baker, H. A. (2010). The American Negro: A Chronicle of the Century. University of Chicago Press.