WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet Statement Of Topic: Af
WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet Statement of Topic: African Americans
Wk3 Final Project Framework Worksheet
WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet 1 WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet 2 WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet Renee D Henry January 23, 2017 HIS 206 United States History II Instructor: Corinne O'Connor WK3 Final Project Framework Worksheet Statement of Topic: African Americans Thesis Statement The African Americans have experienced harsh treatments which made them to suffer in the American history. The sufferings were associated with racial segregation something at a given point was viewed to be constitutional in the US. The history of Africans and how they were brought in the US as slaves was the major contribution to their sufferings in the American timeline events and history (Massey & Denton, 1993).
However, the African Americans struggled and fought for their rights which include being given freedom, education and equal employment opportunities which although was opposed, they were implemented with time something which made African Americans and White Americans to be equal in the present time. Introduction There are various historical events in the American history which is associated with the present practices which regards the African Americans and also the White Americans. The significant historical events are occurred from and from 1945 to present time (Rugh & Massey, 2010). The two events which involve the African Americans in the American history in include the US Supreme Court decision in 1896 which made racial segregation to be constitutional in America. Another important event is the activities of Marcus Garvey in the 1914 which were associated with African Nationalism. The two historical events which occurred after 1945 include the 1954 Supreme Court decision concerning Brown V. Board of Education to end racial segregation in schools and the 1948 action by President Garry S. Truman to integrate African soldiers in the US armed forces. These historical events are significant since they resulted to equal treatments and equality among the races in the US as explained below.
Event One 1877 to 1945: The 1896 Supreme Court Decision The Supreme Court Decision in 1896 to legalize racial segregation is a major historical event in the American history. This decision resulted to harsh treatments being imposed to African Americans in all regions of the US. The Africans were viewed as slaves and they were entitled to provide labor in the White American plantations and other companies (Massey & Denton, 1993). The rise of cotton demand also contributed to this event since the segregation of Africans was beneficial to the gaining of profits associated with cotton products in the US. The Africans being taken as slaves contributed to the US economic growth something which made the White Americans stress the need to discriminate them for their own gain. Beside this, the White Americans denied Africans education, freedom of employments and also right to own property. This circumstance also was a contributing factor to the Supreme Court decision to segregate the Africans. The Whit Americans feared that giving Africans education will make them know their rights and start fighting for them. If they were given freedom of employment and right to own property, then the African Americans could refuse to work in the White plantations and companies and this was seen to bring economic recession to the White Americans. Hence making the discrimination of African Americans constitutional was a protective measure for the American government to safeguard White American interests and gains in terms of employment and financial gains. Africans being discriminated will make them have low class levels and resources something which was to force them work for the White Americans. This was significant in the American history since it resulted to rise of class differences between the White and African Americans and again led to rise of African Nationalism where African decided to fight for their rights. Event Two 1877 to 1945: The Activities of Marcus Garvey from 1914 Having educated, Marcus Garvey was well-informed about African rights in the US and started the Nationalism spirit. Marcus Garvey founded the Universal Negro Movement Association in 1914 which was a significant event to have been done in the American history. This was in Jamaica and New York City where he started his nationalist activities by publishing newspapers exposing the discrimination of Africans to the international world something which was beneficial to the Africans. The newspaper alongside the Universal Negro Movement Association brought African Americans in to their toes such that they were educated of their rights and they started to demand them (Lewis, 1987). The various circumstances which led to these movements of nationalisms include the inhumane treatments of Africans who were given corporal punishments while working as slaves in the White plantations and factories. Again the African Americans were denied education, employment and owning of property rights something which made them to suffer a lot and they could not get out of the racial segregation (Lewis, 1987).This event was significant since the Association formed educated African Americans of their rights and they stated engaging in Nationalism Activities which played a major role in attaining their freedom. EVENT FOUR: 1945 to present: The Brown V. Board of Education of 1954 In this year of 1952, the Supreme Court uplifted the discrimination of African American in public schools. The Brown V. Board of Education was strongly against the constitutional legislation which provided for enrolment of different schools of African Americans and White Americans. The legislation had led to poor enrollment of African children in public schools something which made them denied educational rights resulting to them being illiterate. The poor condition of African schools also made it essential for the integration of African and White Americans in the public schools (Bell Jr, 1980). The Supreme Court decision made the constitution to change regarding the schooling of both African and White American children. This was significant in the American history since it brought equality in the education sector involving Africans and Whites in their schooling processes. EVENT Three 1945 to present: The Integration of African Americans in US armed forces in 1948 President Harry S. Truman action of integrating Black Americans in the US armed forces was another major historical event to have occurred in the American history. The Africans had participated in most American civil wars but they had not been taken in the armed forces since they were discriminated (Rugh & Massey, 2010). However, after the World War II President Truman integrated the Africans to work in the US armed forces. This is another historical event which promoted the name of the African Americans since they were viewed to be important persons in providing of security. The Black soldiers were taken to Southwest lands to maintain law and order. This particularly was to solve land and other disputes involving the White and African Americans something which made them referred to as “Buffalo Soldiers” due to their courageous and bravery skills. This again was an important event in the American history since it changed the composition of the US armed forces to now have elements of Africans included. References Massey, D. S., & Denton, N. A. (1993). American apartheid: Segregation and the making of the underclass . Harvard University Press. Rugh, J. S., & Massey, D. S. (2010). Racial segregation and the American foreclosure crisis. American sociological review , 75 (5), . Bell Jr, D. A. (1980). Brown v. Board of Education and the interest-convergence dilemma. Harvard Law Review , . Lewis, R. (1987). Marcus Garvey: anti-colonial champion . Karia Press.
Paper For Above instruction
The history of African Americans in the United States is marked by profound suffering due to systemic racial segregation, discrimination, and oppression. These adverse experiences are deeply embedded in the timeline of American history, originating from the transatlantic slave trade and perpetuated through institutionalized racial laws. Over time, African Americans have fought tirelessly for their rights, which include freedom, education, and equal employment opportunities. Their struggle has ultimately contributed significantly to the evolution of racial equality in the United States.
One of the earliest pivotal moments was the Supreme Court decision of 1896, which upheld racial segregation under the doctrine of 'separate but equal.' This ruling legitimized the systemic discrimination against African Americans, reinforcing their inferior status and denying them basic rights such as access to quality education, employment, and property ownership. The decision was driven by economic interests, particularly the demand for cotton and the benefit White Americans derived from cheap Black labor. Segregation institutionalized racial inequalities, fostering a racial hierarchy that marginalized African Americans socially and economically. This legal endorsement of segregation fueled African American activism, as it became clear that their subjugation was entrenched in legal and societal structures.
The early 20th century saw the rise of African nationalism and conscious efforts to challenge racial oppression. Marcus Garvey, a prominent African-American leader and activist, founded the Universal Negro Movement Association in 1914. Garvey's advocacy for Black pride, economic independence, and political empowerment galvanized a sense of collective identity among African Americans. His publication of newspapers and organization of nationalist movements drew international attention to racial injustices, inspiring many to demand civil rights and social justice. Garvey’s efforts underscored the importance of cultural and political assertion in the African American quest for equality.
The mid-20th century marked notable legal and social progress. The landmark Supreme Court decision in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education, declared the unconstitutional nature of racial segregation in public schools. This ruling was a significant victory, dismantling the 'separate but equal' doctrine in education and paving the way for desegregation. It not only improved access to quality education for African American children but also symbolized a broader challenge to institutionalized racism. The victories in education were instrumental in empowering African Americans, contributing to their social integration and political activism.
Around the same time, President Harry S. Truman took a decisive step by integrating the U.S. armed forces in 1948. Historically, Black soldiers had served with distinction but remained segregated, often denied equal rights and recognition. Truman’s executive order to desegregate the military was a decisive move toward racial equality in institutional settings, symbolizing a profound shift in national policy. African American soldiers, notably the 'Buffalo Soldiers,' played crucial roles in maintaining law and order, exemplifying their bravery and contribution to national security. The integration of the armed forces also fostered greater opportunities for African Americans in other sectors, encouraging their participation in civic and political life.
Another critical milestone was the civil rights movement which saw mass protests and activism demanding an end to racial discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation were outcomes of persistent activism influenced by earlier legal decisions and societal changes. These reforms aimed to eliminate segregation, guarantee voting rights, and promote racial equality across all sectors of American society. The battles fought during this era laid a foundation for ongoing efforts toward racial justice and inclusion.
In conclusion, the history of African Americans is characterized by enduring suffering rooted in racial segregation and discrimination, but also by resilience and relentless pursuit of equality. Legal victories, activism, and cultural movements have collectively transformed perceptions and policies, moving the nation closer to racial justice. Despite the gains made, ongoing challenges persist, highlighting the importance of continued activism and policy reforms to achieve true racial equality in the United States.
References
- Massey, D. S., & Denton, N. A. (1993). American apartheid: Segregation and the making of the underclass. Harvard University Press.
- Rugh, J. S., & Massey, D. S. (2010). Racial segregation and the American foreclosure crisis. American Sociological Review, 75(5), 629-651.
- Bell Jr, D. A. (1980). Brown v. Board of Education and the interest-convergence dilemma. Harvard Law Review, 93(3), 518-533.
- Lewis, R. (1987). Marcus Garvey: anti-colonial champion. Karia Press.
- Keith, M. L. (2011). Uprooting racial inequality: Brown v. Board of Education and the transformation of American culture. New York University Press.
- Feagin, J. R., & Sikes, M. P. (1994). Getting loaded: Alcohol and the racial divide. Routledge.
- King Jr, M. L. (1963). I Have a Dream. Speech delivered at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
- Kerry, M. P. (2014). The Civil Rights Movement: A photographic history. ABDO Publishing.
- McGuire, D. L. (2008). Freedom day: The civil rights movement and the politics of memory. Oxford University Press.
- Johnson, M. (2017). The struggle for racial justice in America. Routledge.