Civil rights Flashcards
(54 cards)
How were black Americans treated in the military during World War Two?
They served in segregated units known as the “Jim Crow Army” and were initially restricted to support roles like cooking or carrying messages.
What changed later in the war for black soldiers?
As white troop numbers declined, black soldiers were sent into combat and some were promoted to officer roles.
Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?
A successful group of black American fighter pilots who protected bombers over Europe.
How many black Americans served in the armed forces by 1945?
Around 750,000.
How were black medical staff and patients treated differently?
Blood supplies were segregated, and black nurses were only allowed to treat black servicemen.
What was Executive Order 8802?
It banned discrimination against black Americans in defence industry jobs and was issued to prevent protests.
How many black Americans worked for the government during the war?
The number rose from around 50,000 to 200,000.
How many black Americans worked in war industries?
Roughly 2 million.
What kind of jobs did black workers get during the war?
Many got skilled, technical roles and received training they were previously denied access to.
Despite some progress, what problems did black Americans still face?
Ongoing discrimination in pay, job roles, and military treatment.
What major event showed increased racial tensions during the war?
The Detroit Race Riot in 1943, where 34 people died, 700 were injured, and major property damage occurred.
What was the Double V campaign?
A campaign launched in 1942 by the Pittsburgh Courier to promote victory over fascism abroad and racism at home.
What symbol was used for the Double V campaign?
A “Double V” symbol, which appeared on articles, posters, and badges.
What was the impact of the Double V campaign?
It raised awareness of discrimination and inspired future civil rights movements.
How did NAACP membership change during WWII?
It increased from around 50,000 to 450,000 by 1945.
What did the NAACP do during and after the war?
Challenged Jim Crow laws in court and educated people about racial discrimination.
What action did Truman take to desegregate the military?
He signed Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces.
What was President Truman’s Fair Deal?
A set of proposals to reduce discrimination, blocked by southern senators in Congress.
What was CORE and when was it founded?
The Congress of Racial Equality, founded in 1942.
What tactics did CORE use?
Non-violent protest, including sit-ins in segregated cinemas and restaurants.
When were the US armed forces fully integrated?
By 1955.
Why did civil rights become a divisive issue after the war?
Support grew in the North, but many Southern politicians continued to back segregation.
What did the Jim Crow laws say about segregation in education?
Black and white students could be “separate but equal,” but in practice, black schools had fewer resources and larger class sizes.
