Civil Rights In The Late 19th And Early 20th Century

During the first two decades of the twentieth century, a large and diverse number of Americans claimed the political label “Progressive.” Progressives all shared a common fundamental belief of developing methods to counteract against the political and social issues of the time. They thrived in tackling some of the most crucial issues of society, as they were able to improve the conditions of the urban environment, increase the democratic influence of citizens, and sap most corruption out of the government. However, as the Progressive Movement successfully managed to cover those areas, it was limited to solving the issues of only white Americans, failing to represent the minorities, especially African Americans.

In the modern United States of America, all people of all races are supposed to be treated equally under the eyes of the law. There are no ethnicity separated schools, water fountains are not race specific, and anyone is allowed to sit wherever they want on the bus no matter the color of their skin. However, this is not how America always was. These dramatic changes to our society came about in the mid-nineteenth century during the civil rights movement. This peaceful movement consisted of many famous marches, boycotts, and speeches. The most important element of this movement was the civil rights activists. These people were articulate, strong willed, and empowering leaders that inspired Americans both at the time all the way through today. One man in particular, Malcolm X managed to stand apart from such an impressive crowd. His brilliant public speaking skills lifted people all around the USA to action. Although today he is respected and credited for his work during the time, his alternative methods were not always seen this way.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was important for blacks to participate in political elections, but before this act was passed, there were several events led to its proposal.The government gave African Americans’ the right to vote by passing the 15th Amendment, but in the Southern States, blacks’ suffrages were limited by grandfather clauses, “poll taxes, literacy tests, and other bureaucratic restrictions” (ourdocuments.gov). As times went on, most African Americans couldn’t register their votes. Even though the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960 and 1964

The 1920s was a time of great change. From fashion to politics, this period is known as one of the most explosive decades in American history. After WWI, America became one of the world’s most formidable superpowers. The rise to power prompted the 1920s to become a decade of evolution for women’s rights, African American’s rights, and consumerism.

Despite that racial segregation in public schools became unconstitutional due to the notable Brown vs. Board of Education court case in 1954, that was merely the beginning of the transformation of American society and acceptance. Subsequently, the new racial movement allowed other minorities to have the courage to defend their civil rights. This was not only a historical moment for minorities, but for women as well. Women, regardless of race, revolted against oppression and traditions. To be politically correct was now discretional. The reformation of civil rights and societal norms during the mid-twentieth century was a monumental moment in American history. From racial desegregation, to women breaking away from a male dominate society; they all have contributed to the liberalism and diversity of present day America.

The 13th (1865), 14th (1868), and 15th Amendments (1870) were the initial amendments came in to the U.S during in 60 years. Known collectively as the Civil War Amendments, they were made to ensure the nondiscrimination for recently emancipated slaves. However the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) officially completed slavery within the U.S., many peoples were concerned that the right granted by war-time legislation would be capsize. The Republican Party controlled congress and thrust for constitutional amendments that would be more permanent and binding. The three most amendments prohibited slavery, granted residence rights to all population born or naturalized in the U.S. regardless of race, and prohibited

Although the slavery was abolished in 1865, the rights given to African Americans were not nearly equal to those of white Americans. After slavery was abolished, inequality in American society ran high, and many laws were put in place to restrict the rights and abilities of African Americans. Some laws include the Jim Crow Laws (1870 to 1950s) and the Supreme Court Ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that ruled that there could be “separate but equal” facilities and services for people of color and white Americans. These policies and laws were unfair and discriminatory towards people of color and change was desperately needed. The Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to 1965 pushed the Civil

One of the main goals of Reconstruction was to require that the South give African-Americans equal rights. With slavery abolished, the Federal Government decided that it was now time to give African-Americans the rights given to the rest of American citizens. This was in the mid 1800s. Needless to say, these plans were not put in place, or at least not properly enforced, for many more years. It took a well-organized uprising by African-Americans about 100 years later to finally make some progress. This uprising was known as the Civil Rights Movement, and because of its common goals, it is also referred to as the Second Reconstruction. Unlike the original Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement is classified by many people as a success. The Civil Rights Movement brought a degree of closure to a problem that was initially addressed many years before.

Due to the tremendousness and worldwide nature of WW II, minorities were included in various ways. As specified, ladies entered the work power following the men were in uniform.

Throughout history of the United States of America from as early back as it is available African American have suffered terribly at the hands of their white counterpart. According to history.com website “the continent of Africa was deprived of its most valuable resource – its healthiest and ablest men and women.” Unfortunately for them their status changes as they now take on a name role – Slaves”. (history.com) Marcus Mosiah Garvey a Jamaican born and Jamaica first National Hero stated that "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." I hold dear to me Garvey doctrine and philosophy and believe that it is not only possible but it can be done as he stated “up, you might race, accomplish what you will.” (afrobella). Civil rights activist faced insuperable obstacles, hardship, and in many instances death in order to try bring an end to socio-economic and racial equality; maybe not as ubiquitous but still exist today. Many American civil rights movement leaders were inspired by Garveyism such as Martin Luther King and the nation of Islam.

Among the 1820’s and 30’s the Social Reform Era took charge throughout the nation. This era declared change for women, Native Americans and African Americans (Document K) since free white males had conquered political suffrage for themselves. The rest of America’s population was left ignored and neglected. To avoid this unwanted discrimination, the Abolition and Women’s Rights Movements were created. These movements put into perspective how MANY Americans were unable to vote and ignored (Document J). Through the years, African American and

The history of America is as much the history of freedom and triumph as it is the history of the segregation and oppression of African Americans. The acquisition of Civil Rights was not just contained in the movement of the 1960’s, but was a road that had spanned the entirety of the era after the end of Southern Reconstruction. If President Hayes had not agreed to remove Federal soldiers from the South, the Civil Rights movement would not have happened during the 1960’s, but would have happened much earlier. During the time of reconstruction, the rights of the newly freed African Americans was constantly in jeopardy, and it was an ongoing struggle for the fair treatment that was promised by the Constitution. When the North lost southern influence,

Many different groups in the United States have fought for their equal rights through civil rights battles. Each one inspiring the next, slowly transforming America into the country it is today. Some of these battles have come a long way, since the beginning of history for a lot, some of which are still in the mist of being fought, some of which made huge improvements yet still haven’t reached full equality. Through the many steps taken in marches, and blood and tears shed though the riots, all these battles though has change the way Americans see one another and their country. Going for the common goal of equality, these civil rights movements have changed America for the greater good.

To What Extent was the Social and Political Power Limited for Minority Groups in the United States from 1920 to 1945?

Civil rights in the 18th century came first. This idea combined rule of law and equality before the law. Civil rights are those “necessary to individual freedom—liberty of the person, freedom of thought, speech and faith, the right to own property and to conclude valid contracts and the right to justice.”(Marshall 8) Individual’s civil rights consequently undid certain customs and statues, which previously limited the “right to work”. Working class people were now able to legally pursue employment. It is a right that also related to the need of capitalism in labor markets. “Citizenship” and “freedom,” at least individual freedom, appear to become interchangeable terms in this instance, Marshall says, “when freedom became universal, citizenship grew from a local into an international institution” (Marshall 12). This development of rights leads to a problem. If you were to accept that equality comes before the law, shouldn’t you also be able to use the principle of equality when electing lawmakers? The idea of civil citizenship contains within itself what Marshall calls a “drive” to further advance equality, this is what Marshall calls political equality. The rationality of civil rights gets in the way of the idea that political rights