How did WWII affect the social status of African Americans in the North?

Question

the best i have is:

WWII provided African Americans a much-needed opportunity for equailty and respect, which they triumphantly succeeded.

Answer 1

Now for an answer from a real historian:

1. Following the end of WW II black soldiers returned home after fighting racism abroad to face racism at home. American reformers decided it was time for America to take steps to eliminate the rampant racism seen here.

2. The United Nations building was to be built in New York City as part of the agreement America reached for joining this controversial organization in December of 1945. It was understandably embarassing for the United States to have foreign dignitaries, some of whom were black, come to America and be subjected to the racist treatment suffered by Blacks here at home. There, starting in the North steps were taken to eliminate racial barriers to accomodate visiting dignitaries.

3. Following WW II many blacks attempted to move to the suburbs, most of which were located outside the urban areas of the north and the west coast. Often black families were denied building permits or home mortgages in these predominently white communities, therefore changes were in the works to offer fair housing to people of ALL races.


And there you have it.

Answer 2

WWII had a hand in the US realizing that racism is wrong and that it escalates into heinous things. Thus allowing for more people to be accepting of the Civil Rights Act. There really wasn't a huge difference between the North and South at that time. (I could be wrong..but I'm pretty sure)

I can't really say for sure...

But overall, I think the impact left was very small.

Are you talking about the Civil War....? It would have better relation.

Answer 3

Unemployment and African American youth:
Estimates that African American unemployment rate in 1933 exceeded 50%, but there are no figures available
Numbers on work relief are available: in 1933, 2,177,000 African Americans were in families receiving relief. This equals 17% of total African American population in 1930.
1935, two years after beginning of New Deal, numbers increased to 3,737,000, or 30% of the total African American population in 1930.
1930, there were approximately 2.5 million African Americans under age 25, equal to 10% of all young Americans
1930 census: in the age group 15-24 who were out of work, 37.8 were African American; African American women under the age of 25 made up 36% of the female work force, but their share of unemployment of women of all ages was 42.4%

The law establishing the CCC contained a clause that prohibited discrimination based on race; instructions from National Selection director W. Frank Persons that enrollees be selected without regard to race. Nonetheless, Corps administrators in many states refused to select proportionate number of African Americans.

Selection had just started when problems began:
Georgia, where population was 36% African American, no non-whites were selected until Persons threatened to stop all enrollment in the state
Mississippi, where population was 50% African American, officials admitted only 46 African Americans, or less than 2% of the total enrollment of 2,776 men
In the West, problem was getting an equitable share of slots; California had a last minute cancellation of African American requisition in April 1939 that resulted in protests, similar protests throughout California over unequal treatment
Why were African Americans reluctant to apply for CCC jobs?
Fear of discrimination
fire at Company 2923, Yucca Creek, Fresno District, wiped out their headquarters building, mess hall, recreation hall, etc; rapid turnover of commanders, poor commanders, AWOLS, desertions, delayed allotment and pay checks