Civil Rights: WWII

Evaluation

The Second World War was significant in the achievement of black civil rights because it led to an improvement in the status of black people. The Northern Migration led 500,000 blacks to move to the North, where they gained a higher employment rate (unemployment fell in the North from 900,000 in 1940 to 150,00 in 1945), experienced less discrimination and where segregation was rare, higher pay and lived in more united communities. There was also now a higher population of blacks in the North. In sixteen states, black population was more than 5%, which meant they had significant voting power and would have a greater influence in society. Between 1943 and 1945, two black congressmen were elected, allowing blacks to play a part in the government. Membership for the NAACP rose from 18,000 before the war to 500,000 at its close, increasing support for change. However, blacks were still paid 50% less than their white counterparts and could not hold high managerial roles. On the other hand, black soldiers like Woodrow Crockett was regarded as courageous and was given respect by white individuals, improving the perception of blacks in American society. Black soldiers also expected better treatment, as a result of experiencing no segregation in countries like Britain. However, there were cases of black veterans being beat up for wearing their uniform, though this was a small improvement from them being lynched in WW1. It also encouraged Truman to be genuinely sympathetic to the civil rights movement, influencing him to make steps to abolish inequality. The war also highlighted the hypocrisy of American democracy, as they were fighting for equality in Europe when it did not exist at home, sparking the "Double V" campaign. However, the War did nothing to address the racial segregation or its legal foundation - Plessy V. Ferguson, which held the "Separate but Equal" attitude. Overall though, the second world war meant that blacks economic status had improved, the perception of them in society had improved, and it highlighted the evils of racism and sparked a new determination for change.