Segregation

How were African Americans segregated in the 1950s?

There was widespread discrimination against, and segregation of, African Americans across the USA in the early 1950s. Access to some facilities, housing, education and life opportunities were either refused or restricted. Segregation was enforced and as a people they were marginalised.

How was segregation enforced in the north of the USA in the 1950s?

In the north they found they were segregated through discrimination in education, employment opportunities and housing. They were only able to get badly paid jobs so could not afford to live anywhere else but the ghettos.

How was segregation enforced in 1950s southern America?

There were 2 main ways segregation was enforced in the south of America.

• ❖ A series of state and local laws, known as the 'Jim Crow' laws, were used to legalise and enforce racial segregation.
• ❖ African Americans had to attend separate schools and separate areas in places such as restaurants, cinemas, libraries and parks.

Why was segregation an embarrassment to the USA during the Cold war in the 1950s?

During the Cold War, the USA proclaimed itself as the leading nation of the free world. However, in reality, its black citizens were being treated dreadfully.

Did African Americans have voting rights in America during the period of segregation in the 1950s?

During the 1950s very few African Americans were able to vote in the south.

• ❖ In a bid to gain their votes, politicians in the north of the USA began to introduce policies that would appeal to African Americans.
• ❖ African Americans in parts of southern states had some voting rights to elect officials within their segregated communities.

What did white people do to prevent African Americans from voting during segregation in the 1950s?

White people employed 5 key methods to try and prevent African Americans from voting:

• ❖ African Americans employees were threatened with the loss of their jobs if they tried to vote.
• ❖ Some states allowed political parties to block people from being members on the grounds of race.
• ❖ In some states, African Americans had to successfully complete complicated literacy tests to be allowed to vote.
• ❖ Gangs would congregate outside polling stations to beat up African American voters.
• ❖ A number of African American people went to court in an attempt to defend their right to vote. Some of them were murdered.